Heart of the Ocean

Chapters

Chapter 1: Docking
Chapter 2: Captured
Chapter 3: Negotiations
Chapter 4: Cast Off
Chapter 5: Rum and Stowaways
Chapter 6: The First Time is Always the Hardest

Chapter 1: Docking

Heart of the Ocean

Chapter 1

Docking.

Razor Wind, a grey Pegasus stallion with a bright blue mane and tail sat in a jail cell inside the white stone walls of Canterlot. The cell was made of hard cobble stone and stank of blood, pain and fear. Razor knew places like this all to well. He smirked and looked out the barred window, out onto the bright blue ocean. The only home that he’s ever known. Razor put his head against the wall and let out a sigh.

Well, Razor here we are again. How’d I get into jail this time?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Six hours earlier.

Hmm...Where’s a good place to buy food in this town? Razor thought as he trotted through the small town. His long blue coat with black trim along the edges blowing in the wind. He adjusted his tricorne hat as his bright blue eyes scanned the quaint town. He sniffed the air and let out a sigh. Air’s not salty enough. Smells more like.....dust. He thought with a shrug.

“LOOK OUT!” Razor looked up to see a cyan blur racing towards him. He felt the object crash into him and push his back into the ground. As his blurry vision vanished and his eyesight regulated he saw that the object was a cyan Pegasus mare with a flowing rainbow mane. She shook her head and looked at the stunned grey stallion. “Oops. Sorry about that.” She said as she got to her hooves.

“No problem. I’ve taken worse hits.” He said as he picked up his hat and placed it on his head covering his bright blue mane. The mare then realized he had a scar over his right eye.

“Still, I feel bad. I’m Rainbow Dash by the way.” She said as she stuck out her hoof.

“Razor Wind.” He said as he shook the mare hoof.

“You new in town?”

“Yeah, just got off the dock.”

“Oh you travel by boat then?” She said with a smile.

“Yeah.” He said as the two started to walk down the road.

“So are you a trader?”

“I guess you could call me that.” He said with a faint chuckle.

“Cool. Interesting to meet an earth pony from the sea.” She said with a smile.

“I’m actually a Pegasus.” He said as he raised is coat revealing a bandaged wing.

“Oh, sorry.” She said with a sheepish grin.

“It’s fine. Kind of hard to see them over this coat I suppose.”

“So what are you doing in Ponyville?”

“I’m on a shopping spree for food and supplies before I go out again. You wouldn’t happen to know anypony who could sell me some fruit?” Rainbow’s eyes lit up and smiled.

“One of my best friends has a small stand not to far from here. I’m sure she’d be happy to help you out.” She said with a smile.

“That would be great. Lead the way.” The cyan mare took flight and sped away from the grey stallion who had to break into a gallop to barely keep up with her.

“Why aren’t you flying?”

“I broke my wings. I need to stay off it for a few weeks.” He said as he pointed to his damaged wings. Rainbow noticed his wing’s were wrapped in a white bandage and had red spots splattered from the inside.

“Ouch. What happened?”

“While I was offloading a crate the rope holding it up snapped and landed on them.” The mare cringed at the thought. She stopped flying and started to trot next to the grey stallion. The cyan mare ran up to an orange earth pony mare with a blond mane tied back by a piece of red ribbon, operating an apple stand and donning a brown Stetson hat.

“Howdy there Rainbow. What can I get for ya?” She asked with a smile.

“Razor here needs some fruit for his voyage.” She said as she pointed to the grey stallion. Steel trotted over to the stand and picked up one of the apples and took a bite.

“Hey! Ah hope you’re gonna pay for that.”

“I will. I’m just sampling.” He said as he swallowed the fruit. “That was the best apple I’ve ever tasted.” Steel said with a satisfied look on his face.

“Thank ya kindly.” The mare said as she tipped her hat to him.

“Do you sell them in barrels?” He asked as he scratched his chin.

“Sure do. How many do ya want? Two?”

“I’ll take ten barrels.” The mare’s jaws dropped at the amount.

“R-really?” The farmer said in surprise.

“Yeah. How much do I owe you?” He said as he pulled out a small quill and note pad.

“I’d say.....two hundred and fifty bits.”

“Okay. Let’s call it an even three hundred.” He said as he withdrew a small bag of bits.

“Y-you don’t have to give us that much.” The mare said in surprise.

“I need it delivered to the port. Consider it delivery pay.” He said with a smile.

“We can have it there by this afternoon.” She said as she took the bit bag.

“Much appreciated Miss......Sorry, I didn’t catch your name.” He said as he put the note pad and quill back into his pocket.

“I’m Applejack.” She said as she shook his hoof.

“Razor Wind.” He said with a grin. “Bring it to the port and my friends will put it on the ship. Just tell them I sent you.”

“Will do.” She said with a wide grin.

“Now is there a book store around here?” He asked as he looked at the two mares.

“Why?”

“When you’re on a ship for six to eight months at a time you need to keep yourself busy.” He said in a light tone.

“Twilight runs the library in town and she sells books from time to time.” Dash added.

“Where’s that?”

“You probably passed it. It’s a massive tree in the middle of town.” Applejack added.

“Thanks.” He said as he trotted away from the mares. As the stallion walked away the mares looked at one another in surprise.

“Rainbow. Who in the hey was that?”

“He just got into town this morning.” The cyan mare said with a shrug.

“Well, whoever he is he’s okay in my book.” She said as she started counting the bits.

The grey stallion made his way back through town looking for the massive tree “HEY!” The stallion’s vision was then filled with the color pink as a pink Earth pony mare with a bouncy pink mane seemed to pop out of nowhere. “I’ve never seen you here before. Are you a new pony in town?”

“Yes, I just got here this morning.” He said with a smile.

“I’m Pinkie Pie!” She said with a massive grin on her face.

“Razor Wind.” The stallion said with a grin. “Do you know where the library is? I’m having a little trouble finding my way around town.”

“Yeah! I know where that is. My best friend Twilight runs it. Follow me!” The pink mare said as she zoomed off in another direction. Razor looked in surprise at the mares speed and charged after the mare. He saw the pink blur stop in front of the massive tree. As Razor caught up with the mare he was out of breath. “Here ya go.”

“Thanks.....How......can you.......run....so fast?” He asked as he caught his breath.

“I drink A LOT of coffee.” She said as the two trotted inside. The stallion shook his head as the two made their way inside. Steel looked around the room and marveled at the collection of books. The stallion then saw a lavender mare behind the desk with massive stacks of paper.

“Hey Pinkie Pie. What brings you here?”

“Razor is new in town and he’s looking to buy some books.” She said as she pointed to the grey Pegasus.

“Hello.” He said with a smile and a quick wave.

“Hi. My name is Twilight Sparkle. How can I help you?”

“You mean THE Twilight Sparkle? Element of Magic and student to Celestia herself?” He said in amazement.

“Yeah, you’ve heard of me?”

“Who hasn’t. It’s an honor to meet you.” He said with a bow.

“Oh stop.” She said with a small blush. “How can I help you?”

“I would like to buy some books.” He said with a gulp.

“Sure, got anything specific?”

“Colt Brown, Daring Do and if you have any plant or medical journals would be nice.” He said with a grin.

“Why do you need medical journals?” Pinkie asked.

“When you spend six to eight months on a boat you need to learn how to take care of yourself.” The mares looked at him in surprise.

“What do you do?” Twilight asked.

“I’m a trader on the ocean. My crew and I are collecting supplies before we go out again.” He said with a shrug.

“That must be interesting.” Pinkie said.

“Oh trust me it is.” He said as Twilight lifted a pile of books over into a bag. “Thank you Ms. Sparkle.” He said with a grin. “How much do I owe you?”

“That’ll be fifty bits.” She said with a smile.

“AH!”Pinkie yelled causing the other two ponies to look at her in confusion. “I still haven’t thrown you a party yet! I’d better start planning.” She said as she started to zoom out of the room.

“Pinkie WAIT!” He yelled. The Pink mare stopped in mid air and landed on her hooves. “The rest of my crew is still on the boat and we need a good party. Mind if I bring them along?”

“Sure the more the merrier!”

“Awesome!” He said with a grin. Pinkie smiled and raced out the door. “Is she always like that?”

“That’s just Pinkie being Pinkie.” Twilight said as she rolled her eyes. She then noticed that her mirror was flashing. The lavender mare trotted over to it and touched the surface with her horn. “Hello?”

"Hey sis." The image of a white stallion with a long blue mane appeared in the image.

“Hey Shining! What’s up?”

“Just wanted to see how my favorite sister is doing.” He said with a smile. The grey stallion tapped Twilight on the shoulder.

“Thanks for the books Twilight. The bit’s are on the desk.” He said as he pointed to a small bag on the desk.

“No problem. See ya.” She said with a smile. Razor picked up the bag and made his way out the door. The librarian turned her gaze back to the mirror to see the stallion with a shocked look on his face. “What’s wrong Shining?”

“N-nothing. Sorry Twi, but I gotta go.”

“Wait what’s-” She was cut off as the connection was severed. The mare looked at the mirror for a second and let out a sigh.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back in Canterlot Shining stormed into the lunch hall dressed in his full armor. The other guards were sitting down eating when they saw the captain. Everypony in the room got to their hooves and saluted.

“Everyone in full combat gear now! Meet me by the front gate when you’re ready!” The ponies rushed to their lockers and threw on their armor and weapons. They looked at one another in surprise. They had never seen Shining like this. He was always calm and collected.

The army stood at attention in front of the guard captain. The ponies waited in anticipation for their orders. “Guards! We’re double timing it to Ponyville!” He yelled. The mass of guards funneled out of the castle courtyard and made their way to the massive chariots. The Pegasi hitched themselves up to the chariots and started to ferry the guards through the sky.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Razor Wind made his way back to the docks with the bag of books slung over his back. As he approached the edge of town a white bird descended and perched itself on the stallion’s head.

“Hey Snow, what’s up?” The large bird let out a caw and pecked at the note it had tied to it’s leg. “Message from Breeze?”

Razor.
There’s an orange Earth pony mare here with ten barrels of apples. She said you paid for them.

The stallion let out a sigh and quickly withdrew a quill from his jacket and wrote down a quick message. He rolled the piece of paper up and held it up to the bird’s beak. The bird erupted a white flame from it’s mouth and engulfed the letter along with the bag of books. As he continued to walk through town with the bird sitting on the top of his head. The two were then stopped by a yellow Pegasus mare with a long pink mane and tail.

“Um....excuse me. I was wondering if I could ask you something.” She said in a timid tone.

“Sure.”

“What kind of bird is that?” She asked as the bird flared its black tipped wings.

“She’s a Phoenix.” He said as the bird cawed.

“Oh she’s beautiful.” The mare said with a smile. The bird took flight and landed on the mares back.

“She seem’s to like you. What’s your name?”

“It’s...um....Fluttershy.”

“Sorry, what was that?” He asked as he leaned in closer.

“Fluttershy.”

“One more time?” The mare took a deep breath and gathered her courage.

“Fluttershy.”

“Nice to meet you Fluttershy. I’m Razor Wind and this is Snow.” He said as the bird started to preen itself.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Applejack was standing on the dock in front of a teal Unicorn mare with a brown mane and a skeptical look on her face. The sea air filled the orange mare’s nose causing her to sneeze. As the teal mare lifted an eyebrow the farmer let out a heavy sigh and adjusted her hat. “Like I said for hundredth time; Razor Wind bought these apples and told me to drop them off.” She said as she pointed to the ten barrels of apples behind her.

“And like I said; you’re not dropping anything off until-” The Unicorn was cut off as a small slip of paper appeared in front of her along with a pile of books.

Calm down Breeze. I bought the apples and she’s telling the truth.

P.S. I bought some books. The mare read the letter again and gave the farmer a sheepish grin.

“Heh, heh. Sorry. Thanks for the apples.”

“No problem. Need a hoof getting them on the......hey where’s your ship?” Applejack asked as she looked around the empty port.

“The rest of the crew is off shore. I’m just here to look after the supplies until it’s time to leave.”

“Razor told me you guys were traders. What do you trade?”

“All sorts of things. I don’t really pay attention.” She said with a shrug. The orange mare gave a nod and left the mare standing at the dock. Her horn flared and the supplies, along with herself vanished in a puff of smoke.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back in Ponyville Razor and Fluttershy trotted into Sugar Cube corner where they were met by Rainbow, Twilight, Pinkie, Applejack and a white unicorn mare named Rarity. He started to tell them stories about his trips and adventures. “Well, Razor it sounds like you get around quite a lot.” Rarity said with a smile.

“Yeah, I love to travel.” He said with a grin.

“Why do it by sea?” Twilight asked.

“Every other Pegasus I know flies. I like to consider myself the first Pegasus that prefers the sea to the sky.” He said as he sat back in his seat.

“Flying is awesome!” Dash interjected.

“I know that, but navigating the ocean takes a lot more skill.” He said with a shrug.

“Whatever, I still say that-” The mare was cut off as a small purple dragon burst into the room out of breath.

“Twilight.......Important.....” He said as he caught his breath.

“Slow down Spike. What’s up?” The lavender mare asked. Spike took a moment to collect himself.

“Your brother just showed up at the library with a bunch of guards. He’s on his way here right now.” The mares looked at one another in shock.

“What’s Shining doing here?” The lavender mare asked.

“I don’t know. He didn’t-” He was cut off as the white stallion barged into the room and his eyes locked on the grey stallion who had a smirk on his face.

“YOU!” The guard bellowed as he pulled the sword from it’s sheath.

“Long time no see Armor. How’s the wife?” He asked in a relaxed tone.

“Shut it! You are under arrest!” He bellowed as three other guards quickly surrounded him.

“Would somepony please explain to me what the buck is going on?” Rainbow yelled in confusion.

“Okay, long story short.....I’m a pirate.” Razor said as the mares looked at him in surprise.

“A very dangerous Pirate with a 150,000 bit bounty on his head.” Shining said as he pulled out a wanted poster with the stallion's picture on it.

“C’mon Shining you know me. It should at least be up to 180,000.” He said as he sipped his drink.

“Why are you here?” He asked in astern tone.

“I was buying supplies for my next voyage. I can show you the receipts.” He said with a shrug.

“You are still under arrest.” Shining said as he raised his blade to the stallion’s throat. Razor let out a sigh and put his hoof on the blade.

“C’mon Shinning I prefer not to do this inside.” He said as he pushed the blade away. Razor quickly got to his hooves and dashed out the door only to be met with at least fifty guards in golden armor with blades drawn. The stallion smiled and looked back at the guard Captain. “Did you put this on all for me? You’re too kind.” He said with a smug grin.

“We can do this the easy way or the hard way.” Shining said as the group surrounded the stallion. Razor looked up to see a familiar white bird flying overhead. Razor smirked and put his hoof inside his jacket. The guards got into charging position while some unicorns charged their horns. The group heard a snap and saw the stallion’s belt holding two swords and a pistol attached to the back dropped to the ground. Razor kicked them over to the guard captain who had a confused look on his face.

“Have it your way then. I surrender.” He said with a smug grin strewn across his face. The group of guards looked at one another in shock and surprise. Shining trotted forward and cuffed the grey stallion who still held the grin on his face brimming with confidence.

“You are going to be locked up for a long, long time.” Shining sad as he walked him over to a cart with steel bars on the window.

“We’ll see.” Razor said as the guard captain locked the door. The guard ponies then started to make their way back to Canterlot. Shining trotted over to his sister and her friends and let out a sigh.

“Are any of you hurt?”

“No.” Twilight said still getting over the shock.

“Ah can’t believe ah sold apples to the likes of him.” Applejack said as her brow narrowed.

“It’s okay. You didn’t know.” Shining said with a grin.

“So is he some famous pirate?” Rainbow asked.

“Infamous. That stallion has sunk at least six fleets worth of Equestrian battle cruisers.” Shining said as he walked inside and sat down with the mares.

“It sounded like you know him.” Dash added.

“Oh yeah I know him. I saw him clear the deck of a Griffin ship all on his own. He’s easily one of the most dangerous pirates on the sea.” He said as he let out a sigh. “However, if there’s one thing I know it’s that he wouldn’t give up without a fight.”

“So why did he surrender?” Twilight asked.

“I have no idea.” Shining sad as he got to his hooves. “Just be careful. If Razor is here then you can bet your flank that the rest of the crew is too.”

“Ah met one at the docks. She was a Unicorn mare. Ah didn’t get her name.” The farmer said as she scratched her mane.

“It’s fine. We don’t know much about the other crew members. Just report anything to me and I’ll be here ASAP.” He gave the lavender mare a hug and galloped out of the bakery after the other guards. The mares sat in silence and looked at one another in concern.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The teal unicorn mare waited near the docks and looked up to see a familiar white bird racing towards her. The bird perched itself on the mares back and cawed.

“Hey Snow. Where’s Razor?” The bird pressed it’s forehead against the mares. “Want to show me something?” The bird gave a nod. The mare’s horn glowed and several images flashed in the birds eyes. A small magical aura encased their heads as the images flashed in the mares eyes. Breeze face hoofed and let out a loud groan as the connection was severed. “That bucking idiot!” She yelled as she and the bird vanished in a cloud of smoke. The two reappeared on a wooden deck where ten other crew members were bust tying knots and swabbing the deck. A large griffon with brown feathers and an eyepatch walked over to the annoyed mare.

“What’s up Breeze?”

“Razor got captured.” The Griffin face palmed with his claw.

“That idiot. Do you know where they took him?”

“No, but don’t worry. I know just who to ask.” She said with a menacing grin.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Razor leaned his head back against the stone wall and pulled his hat over his head as he closed his eyes. He heard a door open and saw two stallions in gold plated armor stand guard outside his cell. The stallion smirked and drifted off to sleep.

Author's Note

Hope you guys like it.

Chapter 2: Captured

Chapter 2

Captured.

Twilight walked to the library with her other five friends by her side. It had been seven hours since Razor was arrested. The mares avoided the topic and busied themselves with gossip. Twilight looked up at the night sky and breathed in the fresh air as she entered the tree. The friends sat down on the couch as Rarity put a kettle on for tea. The group was interrupted as a teal Unicorn mare and a large Griffin wearing an eyepatch over his left eye entered the library.

“Um excuse me, are you Twilight Sparkle?” The mare asked.

“Yes, why?” Twilight asked as she raised an eyebrow.

“Just checking.” The Griffin suddenly pulled a pistol out and pointed it at the lavender Unicorn. The mares instantly jumped back in fright. “No pony move. No pony gets hurt.” He yelled. The mare face hoofed and lowered her companions armed claw.

“For Luna’s sake Ace, we don’t want any trouble.” She said as he let out a sigh.

“Wh-Who are you?” Twilight asked as she got in a defensive stance.

“My apologies Ms. Sparkle. We’re looking for a stallion named Razor Wind. Grey Pegasus stallion, blue mane and tail, scar over his right eye.” She said as she pointed to her own eye.

“Yeah we know him!” Rainbow said in a challenging tone. “He was arrested yesterday and since you know him. You two must be part of his crew.” She said as she flew up to the mare.

“What gave it away the pistol? The eyepatch?” Ace said in a mocking tone.

“Why you-” The Pegasus felt a hoof grab her tail. Twilight gulped and shook her head at the Pegasus.

“Look we don’t want any trouble here. We just want to know where they took him.” The teal mare interjected.

“Canterlot. They took him to Canterlot.” Twilight said. The two pirates looked at one another and let out a sigh.

“Thank you.” The mare said as the two turned to leave.

“Maybe we should take some....leverage with us.” Ace said as he looked at the lavender Unicorn. Twilight gulped as the other mares crowded around her.

“You know that’s not how we do things Ace.” She said in a stern tone.

“This is the Captain we’re talking about here! What’s wrong with it just this one time?” He said as the mare turned around with an angered look on her face.

“Are you disobeying a direct order?” She asked in an angered tone.

“N-no ma’am.” The Griffin said as he felt his beak chatter in fear.

“Good. Now let’s go.” The mare said as they exited the tree. The mares looked at one another and let out a sigh of relief.

“Um Twilight maybe you should give your brother a heads up.” Rainbow suggested.

“Good idea.” She said as she trotted over to the mirror. She tapped it with her horn and the mirror started to ripple. Soon an image of the guard stallion appeared on the surface.

“Hey sis what’s up?” The stallion asked.

“We just got a visit from Razors crew. They know that you took him to Canterlot.” She said in a guilty tone.

“Thanks for the warning sis. Did they hurt you?” He asked in a concerned tone.

“No, I thought they might, which is why I told them where he was.” She said in a defeated tone. Applejack put a hoof on her shoulder and gave her a weak grin.

“It’s okay Twiley. I’m just glad you weren’t hurt. Did you get a good look at them?”

“There were only two; One of them is a Griffin, brown feathers and wearing an eyepatch over his left eye.” Applejack said.

“Okay, what about the other one?”

“She’s a teal Unicorn mare.” Rainbow said as she looked at the stallion’s image.

“Okay thanks guys. You’ve been a big help.” The stallion said with a smile.

“No problem Shining anything we can do to-” Twilight was cut off as a loud bang and smoke filled the room. “What’s going-?” She was cut off as smoke filled the room obstructing the stallions view. “Who are you? What do you want?” Twilight yelled as he horn flared and shot two bolts at the doorway.

“TWILIGHT? WHERE ARE YOU?” Shining said as he shook the mirror. The stallion heard a few magical bolts discharge and the mares scream. He saw that the mirror had tipped over on it’s side. Shining saw beneath the layer of smoke to see the five mares on the ground and his unconscious sister being dragged out of the library. “TWILIGHT! TWILIGHT!” He yelled. He noticed that a pair of black hooves was approaching the mirror.

“What about the other five?” A deep voice asked.

“They are of no use to us. All we need is the Unicorn, leave the rest.” Another said. Shining was grinding his teeth. The dark pair of hooves faced the mirror and broke it with a quick jab. Shining saw the image fade and slammed his hoof into the mirror. Hearing the crashing sound, three guards burst into the room with swords drawn.

“Something wrong sir?” One of the guards asked. Shining pulled out a piece of parchment with an odd seal on it.

“You! Tell the Princess that Twilight Sparkle has been taken hostage!” He yelled as he pointed to one of the guards. The stallion nodded and galloped out of the room. “You two with me!” He said as the three stallions stepped on the seal. Shining’s horn flared and the three were enveloped in a flash of light.

Shining appeared inside the library to see that the five mares were on the ground in an unconscious state. The stallions pulled out small bottles and positioned them under the mares snouts. Rainbow’s eyes shot open and quickly got to her hooves. She scanned the area to see the place trashed and her friends beginning to wake up. The mare then saw Shining armor helping Rarity to her hooves.

“Shining! Somepony took Twilight!” The cyan mare yelled.

“I saw.” He said as he pointed at the shattered mirror. “Did you see who it was?”

“No, it all happened so fast.” Rainbow said as she slumped to the ground in shame. Shining put a hoof on her shoulder as she started to cry. “Maybe I can catch them!” She said as she flew out the door and took to the sky. Off in the distance she saw a ship starting to leave the port. Rainbow put whatever strength she had left into her wings. As she reached the docks the ship vanished from her sight. Rainbow slumped to the ground in defeat and hung her head in shame.

“Rainbow!” She looked back and saw the other four mares and the guard stallions gallop up to her. The mare lowered her head in shame.

“I-I couldn’t stop them. I failed.” She said as she started to cry. Applejack brought her into a hug and comforted the mare.

“Wh-who’d wanna take Twilight?” Pinkie asked as she looked at Shining.

“I don’t know.” He said as he hung his head. “But I know who might. You five with me.” He said as he trotted towards the train station along with the other two guards.

“Where are we going?” Rarity asked as she and the other mares followed.

“To Canterlot.” He said as the group broke into a gallop towards the station.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Twilight felt herself being dragged across a wooden floor. As her eyes fluttered open in time to see a metal cage door being closed in front of her. She tried to raise her head but found no strength in her body. She could feel the darkness creeping around her and eventually let sleep take her.

Author's Note

Sorry for the short chapter.

Chapter 3: Negotiations

Chapter 3

Negotiations

Razor Wind slept peacefully against the stone wall only to be awoken by a pounding pain in his stomach. He slumped to the ground and clutched his stomach in pain. He looked up to see Shining glaring at him with rage in his eyes and two other guards by his side.

“Get him on his hooves!” He yelled. The two guards grabbed the grey stallion and dragged him from his cell. The ponies made their way through the castle, Razor felt his back hooves being dragged across the tiled floor. He looked up to see Shining leading the way into a massive room filled with light. Razor tried to stay awake as he entered the room. He felt the guards cuff his front hooves behind his back which caused him some discomfort. The stallions then threw him on the ground with made his face slam into the tile.

“On his knees.” Shining barked. The two guards pulled the pirate up by his mane and made him kneel. Shining stepped in front of him and held Razors head up by his mane. “Just so you know. If it weren’t for the fact that we might need you, I’d kill you myself.” He said as he let go of his head. Razor heard the door open and looked up to see the enraged Princess Celestia glaring at him with a stare that could make a dragon die from fright.

“What’s all this about?” Razor asked.

“Don’t play games with me!” She yelled as she levitated him up by her magic. “Where is Twilight Sparkle?”

“How should I know? I’ve been in a cell for the past six hours.” He barked.

“Twilight Sparkle was abducted not long after some of your crew members paid her library a visit.” Celestia said in a cold tone. Razor then noticed the five mares from before enter the room and holding the same icy stare.

“None of my crew would dare take a hostage without my say so.” Celestia’s horn flared which sent the stallion crashing back against the wall.

“Don’t try my patience! I know your crew was there today!”

“They were probably looking for me.” He said as he sat up. He looked over at the mares who glared at him. “You must have seen them, what did they look like?”

“One was Griffin and the other was teal Unicorn mare.” Applejack spat out.

“Ace and Breeze. They’re my best crew members and they’d NEVER take a hostage.” He said as he couched up a small amount of blood. “How do you know she was taken?”

“I saw her being dragged out of the library.” Shining said in a cold tone.

“Anything else? Like who did it?”

“No, the place was hit with a smoke bomb and knock out gas.” Razor’s ears perked up at the news.

“Smoke bombs and knock out gas?” He asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Yes, we believe it was a mix of herbs.” One of the guards stated. Razor put the pieces together.

“And you saw nothing?”

“A pair of black hooves and I heard a deep voice. That’s it.” Shining added.

“Can I hear it?” Shining looked at the Princess who raised an eyebrow. She nodded and the guard captain’s horn glowed and a voice was heard. Razor listened to the words and smirked. “It wasn’t me or any of my crew, however I know who did take her.”

“Tell us!” Celestia bellowed.

“His name is Black Sun. He’s a pirate like me only a little more....ruthless.”

“What does he want?” Rainbow bellowed.

“Mind getting these cuffs off me? I’m a bit uncomfortable.” He said as he struggled in his restraints. Celestia bit her lip and motioned to the guard to remove the hoof cuffs. Razor rubbed his front hooves and let out a sigh of relief. “Thank you. Has he sent you a ransom letter?”

“No.”

“Well, that tells us two things; one, they don’t want money and two, they need her alive. So she’s safe.....for now.” He said as he stretched his back.

“What do they want her for?” Pinkie asked.

“No idea. Sun is smart. He wouldn’t do something like this if it didn’t have a purpose.”

“I’ll send out a search party and-” Shining was cut off as the grey stallion laughed.

“A search party? I doubt Celestia has the authority to send a full army into international waters.” The Alicorn frowned at the statement. “You guys have only one option.”

“Which is?” Celestia asked.

“Me.” He said as he took a step forward. “I’m the only one here who knows how to track him.”

“Why should I trust you?” Celestia asked.

“I’m your only chance of getting her back. Are you willing to risk that?” He said with a smug grin on his face. Celestia gritted her teeth. “Just so we’re clear, I won’t do this for free.”

“You’ll do it because I’ll kill you if you don’t.” Shining said in a rough tone.

“Oh please Shining, you’re willing to risk your sister’s safety like that?” He said as he spun around and slammed one of his hooves into one of the guards. Razor quickly avoided Shining’s uppercut and removed the captain’s pistol. The grey stallion cocked it and pointed it at the sun goddess who looked at him in surprise.

“Do you honestly think you can threaten me with a toy like that?” She said in a stagnant tone.

“Yes, I believe I can.” He said as he pointed the barrel towards his own head. The ponies eyes shrank at the motion. “If I die then your last hope of saving your pupil dies.” The ponies in the room looked at him in confusion. “I know how Sun thinks and when Twilight outlives her usefulness he’ll kill her on the spot.” He said with a blank expression on his face. “The choice is your Princess.” He said as he looked back at the Alicorn who was having an internal fight with herself. Razor started to pull the trigger slowly until he saw the Princess lower her head.

“What do you want?” She spat out. The stallion lowered the pistol and smiled.

“First, I want 20,000 gold bits for each of my crew members.” He said as he handed Shining back his pistol. The guard ripped it out of the stallion's hooves and secured it in his belt.

“Out of the question!” She yelled.

“Fine. 17,000 bits each. Final offer.”

“Done.” She said in a reluctant tone.

“Thank you. Two; my crew and I get to keep all the treasure we’ve accumulated over our....career.”

“Fine.”

“Finally, I want full pardons for my crew members and myself upon our return. A clean slate.” Celestia looked at him in confusion. “That’s the price and in return I’ll bring back Twilight Sparkle alive and in one piece.” Celestia pondered the stallion’s offer.

“Very well, but if anything happens to her then the deal is off and you will hang for your crimes!” She yelled.

“Fair enough.” He said in a flat tone. “Now here’s the difficult part. Pirate spies are everywhere so you can’t just let me waltz out of here.”

“What do you need?” Celestia asked.

“I need to break out of Canterlot.” He said as he looked around the room.

“How?” Shining asked.

“I’ll do a thing.”

“What thing?”

“I don’t know, but I’ll think of something. Respect the thing.” He said as Rainbow and the other mares trotted up to him with a stern look in their eyes.

“We’re coming with you.” She said as she narrowed her gaze.

“Forget it.” Rainbow grabbed him by his coat and burned holes through his eyes.

“Twilight is our friend and I’ll be damned before I leave her hanging like this!” Te cyan mare said as she glared at the stallion.

“You’re that dedicated to your friend eh?” He said as he raised an eyebrow. The mares all nodded. “Just so you know we’ll have to break the law and I can’t be held responsible if something happens to you.”

“We don’t care!” Applejack yelled.

“Fine, tell me what you can do and I’ll see if we can use you.” He said as Rainbow let go of the stallion. “Rainbow you’re up first.”

“I can break the sound barrier and clear the sky in ten seconds flat.” She said in a flat tone.

“Cocky huh? We’ll see. We can use you to help with weather control. You’re in.” He said as he walked past her and stopped in front of AJ. “How about you AJ?” The mare slammed him in the gut with her right hoof.

“Don’t call me that pirate!” She yelled as the stallion rubbed his stomach.

“You’ve got quite the right hook. We could use another heavy hitter.” He said as he caught his breath. “You’re a farmer right?” The mare nodded with a stagnant look on her face. “Do you know any knot’s?”

“I can tie anything with a rope.”

“Good, you can help tie down riggings.” He said as he stopped in front of Rarity. “Okay Rarity. What about you?”

“I’m a tailor.”

“So you can sew?” The mare gave a nod. “Think you could sew a torn sail?”

“In my sleep.”

“How about cut’s and injuries?” The white mare gulped.

“I-I never tried.”

“Well, you learn something new everyday. Stitch can teach you the basics.” He said as he approached the timid yellow Pegasus. “You guys sure she can handle this?” Applejack trotted over to her friend and put a hoof on her shoulder.

“Fluttershy, you don’t have to go if ya don’t want to. None of us will hold it against you.” The mare said in a reassuring tone.

“No, Twilight’s my friend and I want to help her.” She said in a strong tone.

“Fine, what can you do?”

“I....um.”

“She can talk to animals!” Rainbow blurted out. Razor looked at the Pegasus and smiled.

“What about fish? Can you talk to fish?”

“Y-yes, some of them.”

“Good, it’ll make tracking Sun easier. You’re in.” Fluttershy let out a breath as he stopped in front of the bright pink mare. “Okay Pinkie what about you?”

“Well, I can bake!”

“Can you cook meat?” Pinkie gulped as Fluttershy let out a gasp. “I have a few carnivores on my crew and they need meat.”

“N-no I’ve never cooked anything besides pastry’s.” She said in a defeated tone.

“Okay, this may sound like dumb question, but do you know how to work a cannon?” The mare’s eyes lit up and quickly and withdrew a bright pink cannon out of nowhere.

“I never leave home without my party cannon!” She said as she pressed the fuze and a small amount of confetti burst from the end.

“Where were you keeping that?” He asked.

“If it’s one thing you should know about our group, it’s don’t question Pinkie Pie.” Rainbow said as she exhaled.

“Unpredictable, crazy and knows how to work a cannon. You’re in.” He said as the pink mare smiled. “We’ll leave tomorrow at dawn. Take tonight to gather supplies and say goodbye to your friends and family. Be at Ponyville Port by six am sharp. If you’re not there then we’ll leave without you.” He said as he started to walk away from the group.

“I’m going too.” Shining said.

“Like hell you are. You honestly think my crew will let you make it past the port?” He said in a flat tone. “If they don’t kill you then other pirates will.”

“I can handle myself and how do they even know what I look like?” Razor rolled his eyes and withdrew a small black leather bound book. He opened a page with Shining’s picture on it.

“You’re worth 100,000 bit’s dead and 125,000 alive. Every pirate knows who you are along with your wife. We won’t even make it half way with you on board. It’ll be easy for them because pirates know very little about the Elements of Harmony.” The guard captain grumbled. “You’d not only put our lives in danger, but your sister’s as well.” Shining let out a sigh and hung his head.

Razor closed the book and put it back in his coat pocket. He then walked over to the window. He opened it to have the white phoenix land on the ledge. “You get all that Snow?” The bird cawed. “Good go tell Breeze and the others. It’s a direct order.” The bird nodded and flew into the sky. The stallion put a hoof to his mouth and whistled. The doors suddenly burst open to reveal the pirate’s two swords and pistol flying towards him. Razor wrapped his effects around his body and smiled. “For the record, I could have done that at anytime.” He said with a smirk.

“How are you going to escape?” Celestia asked.

“Oh don’t worry about that.” His right ear twitched and a smile crept across his face. “You guys might wanna take cover.”

“Why?” The cyan mare asked as the far wall exploded with a deafening boom. As the smoke cleared the ponies saw a massive hook with a piece of rope attached to it latch itself onto the far wall. The grey stallion galloped towards it and held a sheathed sword between his hooves.

“Remember, six am at Ponyville Port. Don’t be late.” He said as several guards filled the room. The stallion smirked and put the sword on top of the rope. Razor jumped and slid down the rope into the city. The ponies looked in amazement as he kicked a few guards off the roof tops. A Pegasus guard pulled out his sword and cut the line.

Razor fell just shy of the port. He fell on the hard cobblestone road and quickly shook off the fall. The stallion got to his hooves and ran over to a nearby cannon. He pointed it towards the port as several stallions surrounded him. He lit the fuse and climbed inside the cannon as the guard captain appeared beside the large metal cannon.

“You’re crazy!” Shining yelled.

“That’s good, otherwise this would probably never work.” He said with a smile. The guard captain frowned at him and let out a sigh.

“Please bring back my little sister.”

“I give you my word.” The stallions eyes shrank as he felt the fuze end. “Geronimo!” He yelled as the cannon ignited and launched him into the sky. The guards watched in amazement as the stallion breached the port and seemed to vanish from sight. One of the guards trotted up to the stunned captain.

“That’s got to be the best pirate I’ve ever seen.” The guard said in an amazed voice.

“I hope so.” The captain said in a reluctant tone.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“See him yet Ace?” The teal mare yelled up to the crows nest where the Griffin was looking towards the castle with a telescope.

“Hang on.” He said as he saw a small puff of smoke and a grey object rocketing towards the ship. “Here he comes! He took the cannon route again.” The mare nodded and her horn flared. The shield covering the ship fell apart as the grey stallion entered the ship’s proximity.

The grey stallion flew into the port to see the space in front of him open up and see a white sail with a black hawk imprinted on it. The stallion over shot the deck to see several pairs of eyes looking up at him. The stallion grabbed a rope and swung around the mast to land near the helm of the ship.

“And that was without a single drop of rum.” He said as he hopped down to the main deck. The teal unicorn mare walked up to him and hit him over the head.

“IDIOT!” She yelled as he grabbed his head in pain. “What were you thinking?”

“I know I screwed up, but we hit the jackpot.” He said as he explained the plan to his crew. The pirate’s eyes boggled and their jaws hit the deck.

“Are you jerking me?” Ace asked.

“Nope. 17,000 bits and a free pass once we complete the mission.”

“No strings attached?” Breeze asked as she cocked an eyebrow.

“One, we have to take five mares with us.” Some members of the crew grinned. “Don’t even think about it.” He said in a stern tone. “We need to pick them up at the port tomorrow at dawn.”

“I don’t like this.” Breeze said in a concerned tone.

“Neither do I but what choice do we have?” He said with a shrug. The mare looked at him with an uneasy look on her face. “Look I know this is BUBAR, but this could be our one chance to get our lives back.” He said as he put a hoof on her shoulder. “If you want out. I won’t blame you.”

“Want out?” She said as she hit him again. “You couldn’t navigate this ship to save your life. You need me.” Breeze said in a teasing tone. The stallion looked out to the other crew members to see their smiling faces.

“Okay folks! Back to Ponyville!” He said with a smile “On the double!” He said as the ponies scrambled on the deck.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Twilight’s eyes fluttered open. The mare sat up and rubbed her head with her left hoof. Her eyes shrank as she saw a shackle attached to her front and back hooves. She looked ahead to see a large metal cage door. Twilight noticed a window behind her. She got on her hind hooves and looked out to see the dark ocean. A wave crashed against the side sending a good amount of sea water into the mare’s face soaking her mane and sending her back onto the floor.

The mare coughed up the swallowed water and wiped her wet mane out of her face. She felt a tear roll down her cheek as she brought her hooves close to her stomach and went into the fetal position. Twilight looked towards the door to see a large black Unicorn stallion with a dark red mane staring at her. His right eye had an eyepatch over it while his left one was bright red. He was donning a black tricorne hat with a red plume sticking out the side and a long dark coat that covered most of his body. The stallion opened the door and entered the cell.

“It’s an honor to meet you Ms. Sparkle.” He said as he tipped his hat.

“W-Who are you? What do you want?” She asked as she got to her hooves and stared at the stallion.

“I’m Black Sun. Captain of the Eclipse Pirates and your host while you’re on board my vessel.” He said as he walked closer to her. Twilight’s horn glowed a magnificent purple aura. The mare felt a massive pain surge through her head. She collapsed to the ground and grabbed her head in pain as the aura dissipated. “Ah yes. Can’t have you running amok with that powerful magic now can we?” The mare looked up at him with rage in her eyes. The stallion held up a mirror and faced it towards the mare’s face. Twilight let out a gasp as she saw a line of small pin stripe ink wrapped around her neck

“What did you do to me?” She said in a fear filled tone.

“Relax Ms. Sparkle, it’s not permanent.” He said as he pointed towards his horn. “Just something to ensure that you behave during your stay.” Twilight immediately got to her hooves and punched him in the cheek. The stallion took a step back and his horn flared a dark red aura. Twilight felt a the chains attached to her limbs tighten and pull her up against the wooden wall of the ship. The chains kept pulling until her back was flat against the wall. The dark stallion walked up to her and put his hoof under her chin.

“Let me go!” She bellowed.

“That depends on your behavior Ms. Sparkle. I may be a pirate, but I’m fair. You have three options; one, you can stay here in this cell where you’ll get food and shelter. Two, you can bunk with the crew, keep in mind that they haven’t even seen a mare in eight months.” Twilight’s eyes shrank at the realization. “Three; my quarters are well furnished and I can be quite...accommodating.” He said with a smug grin. Twilight’s eyes were filled with rage. “Those are your choices.” He said as he removed his hoof from her chin.

“My quarters are fine.” The stallion cocked an eyebrow at her. “Captain.” She said in a disgusted tone. The stallion smiled as his horn glowed and the mare dropped on the hay covered floor. The stallion walked away and closed the door. Twilight sat up and looked down at the floor boards with tears in her eyes. She laid down on the pile of hay and her thoughts drifted to her family and friends.

Author's Note

BUBAR= Bucked Up Beyond All Recognition

Chapter 4: Cast Off

Chapter 4

Cast Off

Rainbow Dash landed in front of her parents cloud home with her saddle bags on her back and her pet tortoise under one arm. She knocked on the door and let out a sigh. The cloud door was opened by a light blue Pegasus stallion with a short Rainbow mane.

“Rainbow? This is a surprise.” He said as a cyan Pegasus mare with a white mane trotted up next to him with bags under her eyes and a messy mane.

“Who is it dear?” She asked with a yawn.

“It’s Rainbow.” The mare blinked twice and looked at her daughter.

“What are you doing here dear? It’s four in the morning.” She said as she rubbed her eyes.

“Sorry for waking you guys. It’s just that...” She bit her lip as she thought of an excuse. “The Princess is sending my friends and I over sea’s on a vacation and I need you guys to watch Tank while I’m gone.” She said as she looked at the tortoise tucked under her right hoof. The adults looked at her in surprise.

“Sure, when will you be back?” The stallion asked.

“I’m not sure.” She said in a weak tone. She hugged the tortoise and handed him to her dad.

“We’ll be sure to keep an eye on him for you dear.” The mare said with a smile. Rainbow held back the tears and hugged both of her parents tightly. The two pegasi returned the gesture in surprise and smiled.

“Thanks, you’re the best parents a mare can ask for.” She said with a sniffle.

“Rainbow what’s wrong?” Her father asked. The mare quickly wiped the tears away and regained her composure.

“Nothing, just the morning air. I gotta get going or I’ll miss my boat.” She said as she took flight towards the small town. As the mare flew away a single tear rolled down her cheek.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rarity trotted through the small town with her younger sister asleep on her back. She approached the apple orchard and let out a sigh as she saw the orange mare through the kitchen window packing her bags. The white mare knocked on the door and waited. The door opened to reveal the orange Earth Pony mare with a blank look on her face.

“Come on in Rarity.”

“I can’t thank your family enough for watching Sweetie for me.” She whispered as she looked at the sleeping filly on her back. The white mare trotted over to the green couch and gently put the filly on it.

“No trouble Rarity. Applebloom was ecstatic when I told her.” She said in a hushed tone.

“Have you packed?”

“Eeyup. You?”

“Yes, what did you tell your brother and grandmother?” Rarity asked in a hushed tone.

“That the Princess was sending us on vacation.” The mare said as she threw some rope into her bag.

“Likewise.” She said with a sigh. “I still can’t believe that we’ll be on a boat with a crew of....pirates.” Rarity said in disgust.

“So that’s what’s really going on.” The mares froze as they heard the familiar deep voice. They turned towards the doorway to see the large red earth pony stallion leaning in the doorway with a piece of hay in his mouth and a blank look on his face.

“Mac....I...” The orange mare began.

“Mind telling me what’s really going on?” He said in a flat tone.

“Long story short. Some pirates took Twilight hostage and the Princess is sending us after her.” Rarity said.

“Alone?” Mac asked as he cocked an eyebrow.

“No....She made a deal with another pirate to bring her back and we’re going with them to make sure he does.” Applejack said in a strong tone. "Ah don't like it either, but it's the only way to get Twi back." The stallion let out a sigh and glared at his sister. “There ain’t nothing you can say or do to stop me.” The mare said as she continued packing.

“Ah know that.” He said with a blank expression on his face. “I kept my mouth shut ‘cause ah didn’t want Applebloom to know in case it was something as crazy as that.” He said with a sigh. “Can you trust him....the pirate?”

“No, but if it means we get Twi back then I’ll risk it.” The mare said as she gulped.

“Who else is going?”

“Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow and Pinkie.” The sound of their names put Mac’s mind to ease. He walked over to the mare’s bag and removed the rope.

“This rope ain’t gonna do much. I bought a new roll of braided rope, should be strong enough for your journey.” He said as he trotted over to a closet and removed the roll rope and handed it to his sister. The orange mare felt tears form in her eyes as the stallion put the rope in her bag. Applejack wrapped her hooves around her brother and cried into his chest. The red stallion wrapped a hoof around his sister’s shoulder and kissed her on the forehead.

“In case I don’t-” The orange mare began.

“Ah won’t hear none of that. Granny’s gonna bite your head off when ya come back.” He said with a tear in his eye.

“Never thought I’d be looking forward to one of granny’s lectures.” She said with a sigh. Rarity wiped the tears from her eyes and threw her bag on her back. The mare trotted over to the sleeping white filly and brushed her mane out of her eyes.

“Sweetie.” She whispered. “I just want to let you know that I love you and I always will.” The small filly stirred and rubbed her head into the pillow. “Make sure you eat right, look after Opal along with mother and father.” She said as she kissed her sister’s forehead. Big Mac put a hoof on her shoulder.

“Ah’ll bring her upstairs once the two of ya are gone.”

“Thank you Macintosh. Please take care of her.” Rarity said as a tear rolled down her face.

“Take care of mah little sister.” He said as he gave her a reassuring nod. Applejack walked over to her friend and tapped her on the shoulder. The farmer pointed to the clock signaling it was time to go. The mare looked at her sister one last time and followed the mare towards the port. Big Mac watched as his sister and her friend walked into the darkness and he prayed to Celestia that she’d come back out in one piece as a single tear rolled down the stallion’s face.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Pinkie finished packing her bag and trotted past the twins room. She stopped and gently opened the door to look at the two sleeping foals. She smiled as a tear rolled down her cheek as she closed the door. The pink mare walked down to the kitchen and looked around her home. She walked over to the oven and let out a sigh.

This is where I made my first cupcake. She thought as she ran a hoof over the cool surface. She trotted over to the cash register and scribbled some lettering on a note pad. Pinkie took the piece of paper and laid it on the main table in the kitchen and looked at the kitchen one last time before leaving the bakery shop. The sound of the door closing caused the yellow stallion to rise from his bed.

“What is it dear?” The light blue Earth Pony mare asked as she looked at her husband.

“I think I heard something downstairs.” He said as he got to his hooves. He walked over to the closet and pulled out a two foot wooden rolling pin.

“It’s probably Pinkie getting a midnight snack.” The mare said as she stood behind her husband. The two descended the staircase and checked the register. “It’s all here.” She said as she finished counting the bits. The two made their way into the kitchen and looked into the refrigerator.

“Doesn’t look like Pinkie’s been here.” The stallion said. He heard his wife gasp and spun around to see his wife pointing at a piece of paper with tears in her eyes. The stallion walked over and started to read the note.

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Cake.

I’m going away for a while. I’m not sure when I’ll be back or that I’ll even come back at all. If that happens then I just want to let you know that I’ve spent the best years of my life working, playing and laughing with you and the twins. I love you all like a second family and I want nothing more than to see you all again.

Love, Pinkie Pie.

P.S. I took a few strawberry cupcakes for a snack.

The two ponies looked at each other in confusion as they re read the letter. The stallion put an arm around his wife who had tears running down her face.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The timid yellow mare finished putting her belongings into her bag. As she walked towards the door she was stopped by a white rabbit tapping it’s back foot and crossing it’s front paws.

“Sorry Angel, but I have to go.” She said with tears in her eyes. The rabbit pulled on her long pink tail and started to yell waking the other animals in her house. Fluttershy put her hoof on the door and started to cry.

“Angel....look after everyone else until I get back.” She said in a saddened voice. The animals all let out a whimper as she left the small cottage and took off towards the small town.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The grey stallion was leaning against a barrel by the sea port waiting for the mares to arrive. The stallion pulled out his pocket watch and read the time. 5:45am.

They’ve got fifteen minutes. He thought as he closed the watch and put it inside his pocket. He felt a gust of wind blow into his mane. Razor looked to his side to see the cyan mare land on the dock with a saddle bag on her back. “Where are the others?” He asked.

“On their way.” She said as she sat on the dock. The two heard hoof steps approach and saw the pink pastry chef approach the docks with a sad look on her face. “You okay Pinkie?”

“Y-yeah. I’ll be fine.” She said as she sat beside her friend. Their ears perked up as they saw the fashionista and the farmer approach the docks.

“Just waiting on one more now.” Razor said as the teal mare levitated a barrel and sat beside the captain. He pulled out his pocket watch. “She’s got five minutes. Then we leave.” He said with a shrug. The ponies saw a bright yellow dot approach them. Fluttershy’s eyes were bloodshed red and the fur on her face was wet with tears. “This everyone?” He asked.

“Yeah.” Rainbow said as she looked at her friends.

“If you want to back out now, then this is the time. Once we get on that boat there’s no going back.” He said as he and the teal mare got to their hooves. The mare put the barrel next to her and her horn flared. The mares didn’t move an inch. “Very well then. Welcome to the Sea Hawk Pirates.” The unicorn’s horn flared and a massive seal appeared on the dock. The six ponies vanished in a flash of light from the dock.

The mares found themselves standing on a wooden deck surrounded by a group of pirates. The mare gulped as the grey stallion walked up to the helm of the ship and whistled in a high pitched tone. “Morning everyone.” He said with a smile. “Allow me to introduce our five guests. The Elements of Harmony.” He said as he pointed to the five mares.

“But sir-” A green earth pony protested.

“No buts. Like it or not these five, along with our target are the key to our freedom.” He said in a flat tone. The crew let out a grumble. “Now then, let’s cast off!” He said as he turned the wheel of the ship.

“All hooves, claws and what ever it is you have to your posts on the double!” Breeze yelled. The crew instantly scrambled and started tying the riggings and re positioning the sails. “Weigh the anchor! Double check those knots and someone get this barrel below deck.” The mare yelled. Rainbow and the others looked at one another in confusion as the crew hurried about the deck. Razor smirked as he turned the wheel of the ship and an ocean wave splashed over the side causing the spray to hit his face.

“Honey, I’m home.” He said as he gazed into the sunrise and the light reflected off the water. Rainbow took to the skies and looked at the ship. It’s outside was painted jet black with a white stripe going through the center. The ship had three masts each with it’s own sail. The sails were snow white and were imprinted with a grey hawk symbol on their center. The mare landed back onto the deck to see concerned looks on her friend's faces.

“Now then.” Razor said as he hopped down in front of the mares. “Time for the tour.” He said with a smile.

“Who’s steering this thing?” AJ asked. Razor pointed to the teal mare who was on the helm.

“First thing on the list; that is Sea Breeze, my second in command and is in charge of the crew while I’m away.” He said as he walked by the griffin. “This is Ace, he’s in charge of cannons and artillery.” The griffin snarled at the mares. “Yeah he’s not much of a talker.” He said as he walked below deck. The inside was lined with hammocks, some bunk beds and a few tables were stood up. “This is where we sleep, eat and chat. I’ll find some hammocks for you guys to use.”

“I cannot stand these conditions!” Rarity whined.

“Listen here Rarity, only the sick and injured get special treatment on my ship and since your neither I suggest you suck it up.” He said in a flat tone.

“But-”

“It’s either this or the brig.” The mare quickly shut her mouth. “Good choice and a word of warning; if you continue to complain like that then there will be serious repercussions. My crew doesn’t like any of you to begin with, so I suggest that you don’t give them any more reason to dislike you.” He said as he walked towards a curtain with the red cross symbol on it.

Razor pulled it aside to show a light green unicorn stallion sitting at a desk reading a medical journal. The stallion had a black mane and dark brown eyes behind a pair of thick rectangular glasses. His Cutie Mark was a pair of crossed scalpels in front of a red cross. “This is Stitch. He’s our medic, if you have any medical problems come see him.”

“Nice to meet you all.” He said with a smile.

“Since we’re here. Scan them.” The green stallion got to his hooves as his horn flared and a horizontal line appeared on the mare’s bodies. The line moved up and down their bodies twice and vanished.

“They’re clean.” The green stallion said.

“What did you do?” Dash asked.

“I ran a scan to see if any of you had any diseases. We can’t have some pony infecting the crew.” He said in a flat tone.

“Stitch, the white one is Rarity. The seamstress and your new apprentice.” He said in a flat tone.

“I see.” He said as he looked at the mare. “We’ll talk later.” He said in a calm tone as he turned back to his reading. The stallion led the mares to the other end of the ship where a bar stood along with a tan Earth pony stallion with a blonde mane and handlebar mustache standing behind it holding a clip board.

“This is Hazelnut. Our crew cook.” He said as the stallion checked off another box on the list.

“Bonjour.” The stallion said with a nod.

“I hope that none of you are picky eaters. Haze here hates ponies like that.” He said as the stallion started to sharpen a large meat cleaver. The mares all gulped at the action.

“Ah Captain.” He said in an accent. “Thank you for getting those apples. They are quite ripe.”

“Thank the mare in the Stetson. They came from her farm.” Razor said as he looked at the farmer.

“Madam you must be quite the farmer. The apples seem to be fresh off the tree.”

“Thank ya kindly.” She said with a smile. Rarity took a step forward.

“That accent sounds familiar. Are you from Prance by chance?” Rarity asked.

“Oui, mademoiselle.” He said with a bow.

“You two can talk later. Now on with the tour.” Razor said as he walked back on deck. He approached the center mast and pointed up towards the crow’s nest. “That is the look out portion of the ship. Say hello to your new job Dash.” He said as he looked at the cyan mare. “You’ll help Breeze look for islands, enemy ships, sea monsters and all the above.”

“Sea monsters?” Dash said as she raised an eyebrow.

“You’ll see soon enough.” The ponies then approached a dark green Unicorn stallion with a brown mane. The stallion wore a brown cloak with a hood. “This is our resident insect expert, Swarm.” The dark stallion stayed quiet and nodded. “Swarm here has the ability to talk to most insects and call them in for confusing enemies.” He said as the yellow mare perked up.

“Oh that’s really interesting!” Fluttershy chimed. The dark stallion continued to keep his mouth shut.

“Yeah, he doesn’t talk much. Isn’t that right Swarm?” The stallion still held the expressionless face. “See. He’ll talk to the dragon flies all day long, but is quiet when it comes to ponies.”

“Oh, I see.” Fluttershy said in a timid tone. From the deck the crew went towards the back of the ship to see a massive desk and a series of maps and books strewn across the walls.

“This is where the crew and I plan our routes for our voyages. It’s also where we keep our books.” He said as he pointed to the bookshelf. The mares then saw a red unicorn mare with a jet black mane and piercing green eyes take a book from the shelf and walk over to the Captain. “Ah yes.This is Mirage, she’s in charge of information gathering.”

“Sup?” She asked as she walked by the group of mares and out onto the deck. The grey stallion walked back onto the deck and up towards the helm where the teal mare was steering.

“What do you need boss?” She asked.

“Get the crew here.” He said in a flat tone. Breeze nodded and let the stallion take control of the ship while she rounded up the crew members. Five minute’s later Breeze and Ace stood at his side as the crew members looked up at them in confusion. “Now that I have your attention. We have an urgent matter to discuss.”

“What matter would that be sir?” An orange Unicorn stallion asked.

“We have a rat among us.” The crew members started to converse with one another in shock. “I’ve had a hunch for a while. No one except for a few of us knew where Twilight Sparkle was.” He said in a flat tone. “Luckily I planned ahead and treated all the food we’ve eaten in the past week with special magic dust. If you lie then your tongue will turn blue.” He said as he hopped off the helm and onto the deck in front of his crew. “Did you tell Black Sun where Twilight Sparkle was living?”

“No Captain.” The crew said in unison. The crew all stuck their tongues out to see who the liar was. Razor walked over to the orange Unicorn stallion who kept his tongue inside his mouth. The grey stallion glared at the Unicorn who was shaking in fear. He stuck his tongue out and breathed a sigh of relief.

“See.....It’s not blue.” He said as sweat formed on his forehead.

“I know, I was bluffing.” The stallion’s face turned from relief to that of pure fear. As he looked around the crew had taken a few steps back and formed a circle around the Unicorn. Razor walked forward with a cold expression on his face. The orange stallion gulped and hung his head in shame. A small tear formed in his eye and rolled down his cheek. “All I want to know is why?”

“I didn’t have a choice!” He yelled. The stallion looked at the Unicorn in confusion. The stallion’s horn flared and a pin stripe shape formed on his tongue. “They got me in Fillapore. I couldn’t say a thing or else it would activate.” He said in disgrace. The grey stallion let out a sigh and put a hoof on his shoulder.

“When we dock, I want you off my ship. You’ll be paid what you’ve earned.” The crew looked at him in confusion. The orange stallion looked at him with a smile and nodded.

“Thank you Captain I-” The stallion stopped moving and cried out in pain. Razor looked in shock as the pinstripe started to expand and wrap around his entire body.

“Oh no! Breeze, down here now!” The stallion barked. The teal mare jumped down and looked at the markings. “Is this-”

“Yes, I’m sorry, there’s nothing I can do.” She said in a low tone.

“It’s alright sir.” The orange stallion said as he whimpered in pain. “I have no regret’s. Sailing with you all has been the highlight of my life. If I could ask for one more favor.” He said as the markings started to turn bright red. The Unicorn pulled out an envelope and a picture of a white unicorn mare and a small red filly. “I want my cut to go to my family. If it’s not too much trouble.” He said as he coughed up some blood.

Razor took the items and nodded. “Consider it done.” The orange stallion collapsed as the red markings spread across his face. “Breeze.” The teal mare nodded as her horn flared and the orange stallion was sent flying off the deck above the ocean.

Thank you, everyone. The orange stallion thought as he was launched off the deck and above the ocean. I’m sorry Coral. It looks like this is the end. He thought as his mind was filled with the images of the white mare and the small filly. Back on the ship Rainbow jumped next to the grey stallion and stared at him with daggers in her eyes.

“Why in the name of Celestia did you just-” She was cut off as she saw a massive explosion where the orange stallion’s body was flying. The crew all lowered their heads as the force created a large wave that crashed against the ship’s hull. The crew stood unfazed as the five mares laid flat against the deck. After the wave had passed Razor looked back to his crew with a blank expression on his face.

“Bring the ship to full sail and double time it to the Raven’s Nest.” He yelled.

“Yes, sir!” The crew said as they took their positions. Razor ran up to the helm as the sails opened and the ship lunged forward. As the ship picked up speed the three mares walked up to the grey stallion who was steering the ship.

“What happened to that stallion?” The farmer asked.

“He was cursed. By the pirate we’re hunting.” He said in a flat tone. “That spell was designed to self destruct when his cover was blown.” The mares let out a gasp. “That’s the type of pirate we’re dealing with; one who would use a living pony as a weapon.” He said in an anger filled tone.

“Do you think that he’d use something like that on Twilight?”

“Probably to keep her restrained.” He said in a flat tone.

“Then we’d better get after them! That’s where we’re going right?” Rainbow yelled.

“No. We need to stop in port and resupply.” The orange mare grabbed him by the coat and bore holes through his eyes.

“Why you no good snake in the grass! I knew you’d try something like this.” She bellowed.

“Look cowgirl. You may be ready to go on a war path, but my crew and I are still recovering from our last voyage and we need food, water and ammunition.” He said as he narrowed his gaze on the farmer. “We don’t even know where Sun is going yet, plus we won’t even make it halfway across the sea with the supplies we have now.”

“Why don’t you have the supplies?” Pinkie asked. The stallion deadpanned at her.

“Blame Shining for that one. He interrupted my shopping spree and I was arrested. Remember?” He said in a flat tone. The mare’s backed off and nodded. “Besides we need to get you guys some weapons and gear.” He said as he turned back to steering.

“Why can’t we just use the ones you have on board?” Dash asked.

“They’re all taken.”

“Oh come on you’ve got two swords for crying out loud!” She yelled. Razor smirked and unsheathed the blade. He pointed the handle towards the mare.

“Fine. Go ahead.” Rainbow scoffed and picked up the blade. As he held it in her hoof she felt a small tingling sensation form in her hoof. Suddenly a huge shock of electricity shot through her body causing her to drop the sword. Razor walked over to the blade and put it back in it’s sheath. “Each one of my crew’s weapons are enchanted so that they only work for that individual.” He said with a sigh. “We’ll get you each one when we dock.”

“Just where is that?” The farmer asked.

“The place where piracy was born, Coltuga.” He said with a smirk.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Twilight awoke to a loud banging on her cell door. The mare looked up to see a pair of stallions. One was dark brown and the other was light blue. “You’ll be eating with the captain this evening.”

“I’d rather eat a rat.” She spat out.

“He figured you’d say that. It’s either with the captain or with the crew.” The stallion brown stallion said with a smirk. Twilight gulped and followed the pair of stallions up to the captain’s quarters. A large table was set with all types of different food.

“Ah, Ms. Sparkle. So glad you could join me. Leave us.” He said as he looked at the two stallions. The deck hooves left with a grunt. “Please make yourself at home.” He said in a calm tone.

“Let’s just get this over with.” She said in a cold tone. The mare took a seat at the far end of the table and started to eat. “Mind if I ask a question?”

“Shoot.”

“What do you need me for? You obviously don’t want money so what value am I to you?” She asked as she sipped her drink.

“Sharp as a sword.” He said with a smile. “I won’t bore you with lies so I’ll just say it; We need your help.”

“With what?”

“There’s a lock that needs opening and I need a very powerful Unicorn to do it.” He said with a smile. “And who’s more powerful than the Princess’s personal protege?” He said with a grin.

“What makes you think I’ll just open this thing up?” Twilight said in a challenging tone.

“You’re forgetting that you’re in the middle of the sea with no magic. I am your only hope to ever see home again.” He said as he sipped his drink. “Once you’ve done as I’ve asked I’ll bring you back to your home and you’ll never see us again.” He said with a smile.

“I doubt that.” She said with a scoff.

Chapter 5: Rum and Stowaways

Chapter 5

Rum and Stowaways

The six mares sat at a table away from the other pirates on the ship and ate their breakfast in silence. They watched each other’s backs. They saw that the majority of the pirates were conversing with one another. The group huddled together and gulped.

“So what do you guys think?” Dash asked a she leaned her head over the table.

“They seem nice.” Pinkie said in a happy tone.

“They could learn some manners in my book.” Rarity said in a rough tone. “I think I got a stiff neck from those cots.” She whined.

“Look y’all, we don’t have to like em. So long as they keep their word and we’ll just have to endure em till we get Twi back.” The farmer said as the mares nodded. The mares then saw Stitch trot over to them.

“How are you all adjusting?” He asked in a cheery tone.

“Fine.” The farmer said in a flat tone. The cyan mare let out a heavy yawn.

“Are you sure?”

“We slept in shifts last night just in case one of you guys tried anything.” Dash said in a cold tone. The green stallion frowned at the mares.

“Look, we may not be the nicest bunch, but if there’s one thing the Captain despises it’s rape. He’s killed stallions that have tried to force themselves on female crew members.” He said in a serious tone.

“R-really?” Rarity said with a gulp.

“Yeah and no one on this crew would dare lay a hoof on you.” He said as he ate his rice. “We follow the Captain’s orders without question.”

“Why?”

“We respect him and he’s saved most of us so many times I’ve lost count.” He said with a smile. The stallion looked up to see the large griffin coming down from the deck.

“Land ho!” He yelled. The rest of the crew yelled in excitement at the news. The mares got up and looked out on the deck to see a port that looked like it had been hit by three hurricanes at once.

“Coltuga. You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy.” The ponies looked to their left to see the grey stallion wearing his coat. “Home sweet home.” He said with a smile.

“We aren’t going to land there are we?” Rarity said in a concerned tone.

“Yes, we need to resupply and we need to make you guys look and act like pirates.” He said in a flat tone. “Oh which reminds me, put these on.” He said as he withdrew five steel bracelet’s with the flag’s emblem on them.

“What are these for?” Dash asked.

“They let other pirates know that you’re with me and improve your life expectancy from zero to slim.” He said in a flat tone. The mares gulped and put them on their fore arms. “They also cast a low level illusion around you so you look tougher.”

“Ah don’t need no fancy jewelry to look tough.” AJ said in a flat tone.

“By tougher, I mean it makes you look like a stallion.” The mare’s let out a gasp and rushed over to a barrel of water. Their jaws hung low as they saw stallion versions of themselves. “It’s only temporary and only lasts for a few hours.” He said in a flat tone.

“Why’d ya go and make us look like stallions?” The farmer asked.

“Let’s see, who’s more likely to be kidnapped? A group of mares or a bunch of stallions?” He said as he cocked an eyebrow.

“Good point.” Dash said with a sigh. The grey stallion walked over to the helm and looked down at the crew members.

“Okay everyone get in your groups and-” He was cut off as the pirates heard a loud explosion and smoke coming from below. “Oh for the love of Luna. Scotty, are you okay?”

“Aye captain.” The ponies turned to see a dark green Unicorn stallion with an orange mane, tail and beard. A pair of odd looking goggles rested above his horn. “Bad news sir the ship-”

“Captain!” Razor looked behind him to see the worried cook racing towards him. “Horrible news sir we-”

“Oi! I was talk’n to the captain first ya two bit cook.” The green stallion said in an scottish accent.

“Shut your mouth trou de complot!”

*Plot hole

“Can it!” The two stallions looked between them to see the annoyed Pegasus stallion glaring at them. “Scotty, what’s wrong?”

“The power source is gone. We can’t jump.” He said in a thick accent.

“We’ll look for something in the market.” He then towards the cook. “What is it Hazel?”

“WE’RE OUT OF RUM!” The captain and every pirate on the ship let out a gasp of distress. The grey stallion grabbed the cook and started to shake him.

“WHY IS THE RUM GONE?” Razor said as she shook the cook’s shoulders. “Breeze, I thought that last barrel you brought on board was filled with rum?” He asked as he looked at the Unicorn.

“It was. I don’t know what happened to it.” She said with a shrug.

“That’s kind of my fault.” The griffin said with a guilty look on his face. “Remember those fire bombs I was working on? I needed something a bit more.....potent than just grog.” The captain face hoofed at the information.

“For Luna’s sake Ace, we can’t go wasting rum like that.”

“Sorry sir.”

“Why are you getting so worked up? It’s only a drink.” As the words left the cyan mare’s lips every pirate on board gave her a death stare. She even saw some starting to pull their knives out of their sheaths and bring out their pistols. “Never mind.”

“Smart mare. Okay then. Rum is definitely added to the list and it’s coming out of your cut Ace.” Razor said with a sigh. The griffin held his head in disappointment “As I was saying, everyone get in your groups. Who’s staying this time?”

“I still got a bit of work to do on the engine sir.” Scotty said with a grunt.

“Fine, stay here and get that thing running before we leave. Give me a list of what you need for the fuel.”

“It’s not the fuel sir, the power crystal is damaged. I need a replacement.”

“Fine, write it down and I’ll see what I can dig up.” The Unicorn nodded and quickly drew him a picture of a small crystal.

“Engine?” Applejack asked. “How in the hay can ya fit an engine on this ship?”

“It’s bigger than you think AJ.” Razor said with a grin. “As I was saying, everyone get in their groups and get ready to go into town.” The pirates all yelled and cheered in excitement.

“Groups?” Pinkie asked.

“While everyone on the crew is on the same side, there are some of us that either get along better with one another or are extremely strong together.” Razor said as he looked at the pink mare. “You understand?”

“Hmm.....nah.” The farmer said as she put a hoof to her chin. Razor then pointed over towards Swarm and Mirage.

“You see, Swarm is the pure definition of antisocial when it comes to ponies. He’s also more of an ‘up close and personal’ fighter. While Mirage is a social butterfly and can either stick to the shadows or go in horn blazing.” He said with a smile. “Some of the crew mates you could consider more than friends. If ya get my meaning.” He said with a wink.

“You’re okay with that? Won’t it cause friction between the shipmates?” Rarity asked.

“You’re forgetting one important thing Ms. Rarity.” The mares all leaned in closer to hear. “We’re pirates. We don’t play by anyone’s rules except our own. I have no problem with it. What’s a good adventure without a little romance?” He said with a grin.

“An awesome one.” Dash said under her breath.

“Anyway, one rule that we all follow, ‘don’t go anywhere alone.’ Everypony on this ship has at least one or two others with them at a time.”

“So who’s your partner?” Dash asked.

“Mine? I can go with either one of the crew members.” The stallion then scratched his chin. “Most of the time I go with Breeze.” He said with a shrug.

“Why?”

“She’s my oldest friend and I trust her completely.” He said as the ship came to a sudden stop. “However, she’ll be with Ace today while I’m equipping you guys.” He said with a groan. The grey stallion threw his hat atop his blue mane and walked towards the edge of the boat. “Okay everypony we’ll meet up at the Raven’s nest by six o’clock. That should be plenty of time for us to resupply and have a little fun.”

The pirates all let out a laugh as they trotted off the boat. The smell of fresh fish and vomit hit the mare’s nostrils like a ton of bricks. Rarity was using every ounce of her strength to avoid vomiting in public.

“Ah smell that air. Home sweet home.” Razor said with a sigh.

“You like this smell?” Dash asked as she coughed.

“It’s raw! It’s untouched. It’s beautiful in a way.” The grey stallion said with a smile. As he walked through the market several ponies waved at him and smiled. Some others ran away in fear. The disguised mares gulped as they stopped kept their mouths shut and followed the grey stallion. Razor stopped in front of a small blacksmith shop and motioned for them to come inside.

“Ingot! Where are you ya crazy fool?” He yelled. The ponies then heard a series of bangs a few crashing noised. A middle aged silver Unicorn stallion with a black mane came out wearing an apron and a hammer on his belt.

“I’ll be a mer-mare’s flipper. Great to see you again Razor!” He said as he hugged the stallion. “What can I do ya for?”

“Gents,” The stallion said as he looked at the ‘stallions’. “This is Iron Ingot, a master smith.” He said as he looked back to the silver stallion. “I need you to outfit these guys with some good quality weapons.” The silver stallion looked at the group.

“Any reason why they’re mares disguised as stallions?”

“How did you know?” Applejack asked.

“I made those things.” He said as he pointed to their bracelets. “I’m not gonna ask what the Elements of Harmony are doing here and frankly, I don’t really care.” The mares cringed back at the stallion’s words. “Relax, I’m not going to tell anypony that you were here. It’d be bad for business.”

“How so?” Applejack asked with a cocked eyebrow.

“I’m in the most dangerous part of the world that’s filled with the worst kind of ponies you can imagine. My business would go down the crapper if they found out I was selling to the bad guys.”

“We’re not the bad guys.” Dash protested.

“To pirates you are.” Razor stepped between the two and let out a sigh.

“Putting that aside. Can you get them ready by six o’clock?” He asked.

“Give me a challenge why don’t you?” He said in a cocky tone “Course, it’ll cost you double.”

“Done.” Razor said as he threw him a bag filled with bits. The stallion caught it in a light gray aura and smiled.

“Okay, now all of you hold still.” The mares gulped and looked at one another nervously. “Oh please, if I’d wanted to kill you then you all would have been dead before you entered my shop.” He said as his horn flared. A horizontal line appeared on the cyan mare’s chest and ran up and down before it jumped over to the farmer’s and did the same. After the stallion ad scanned the rest he looked at Razor who nodded. “I’ll have them ready before you leave.”

“Thanks Iron and if you ever want to come aboard-” The grey Pegasus was cut off as the stallion raised a hoof.

“I’m to old for that sort of thing anymore.” He said with a chuckle. “I like seeing the new era’s replacing the old. I lived that life to the fullest and I’m officially retired.” He said with a smile.

“Alright fine. Just thought I’d ask for old time’s sake.” Razor said as he walked out of the shop. “Come along, we still have much to look for.” The mares nodded and followed the grey stallion out of the shop and back out onto the scum filled streets.

“Where are we going now?” Pinkie asked.

“We need to get you guys some proper pirate clothes.” He said as he stopped in front of a shop that had a few garments on mannequins in the window. “Hello? Anypony home?” He asked as he stepped inside. The interior was decorated quite well and had a nice lavender scent in the air. The ponies looked over to see a light blue Unicorn mare with a purple mane and an eye patch over her left eye.

“Razor! Darling it’s been to long!” She said as she hugged the stallion.

“How are you Thimble?” He asked with a warm smile.

“Oh just excellent. How can I help you my friend?” She asked in anticipation.

“I need you to outfit these girls with some gear.” He said as he pointed to the disguised mares. “I disguised them. You know how things get around here.”

“Oh trust me I know.” She said in a blank tone. The mare then turned her attention to the mares and adjusted the horn tipped glasses that rested on her nose. “Well, come along then.” She motioned towards the mares who took their disguises off.

“Why’d you go and tell her?” Applejack asked.

“Relax, Thimble knows better than anypony how dangerous this place is for a mare.” He said with a smile. “I have some business to take care of. I’ll be back for you guys later.”

“You’re leaving us here?” Dash said in confusion.

“You’ll be fine, so long as you don’t leave here till I get back.” He said as he walked towards the door. “Hey Thimble, make sure these guys stay put!”

“Aye sir!” She said as she saluted. The stallion grinned and walked out the door leaving the mares with the seamstress. “Now let me get a good look at you all.” She said as she examined the group of mares. She stopped as she looked at the white mare and gasped. “Oh my gosh! You’re Rarity Belle! I’m such a big fan of your designs!”

“Really?” The white mare said in shock.

“Oh yes! Those outfits you made for the gala were genius!” The mares held their heads as they remembered the incident. “I’ve studied your works and I must say that they are spectacular!”

“Well, it’s always nice to be appreciated.” Rarity said with a smile. “Might I ask what’s a mare of your fashion taste doing in a place so...uncouth?”

“It has it’s charms.” The mare said as she summoned a needle and thread.

“Charms? This place is smelly’er than a pig stye in the middle of Summer.” The farmer said as she scrunched her nose. “Ah’d even take bathing in Rarity’s Canterlot perfume than smelling the stuff out there.”

“It’s not so bad once you get used to it.” The mare said as she worked.

“So Thimble, how do you know Razor?” Dash asked. The seamstress stopped swing and looked at the cyan mare with a saddened look in her eye.

“It’s not exactly a...happy story.” She said with a sigh. “I was around six years old when I was abandoned by my parents.” The mares looked at her in shock. “I didn’t have any money or anything to my name. I was picked up by a pirate vessel and they sold me into slavery as a...’performer.’” She said with a shiver. “Then one day when I was fifteen, I was performing in a pub. Apparently I caught the eye of some pirates and they wanted a.....'private show' that I wouldn’t give them.”

“Was Razor one of the-”

“Good heavens no! That stallion would never do something so horrible!” She said in a defensive tone. “Razor saw the stallions trying to force themselves on me and he took them down without breaking a sweat." The mares's jaws dropped. "After dealing with them he offered me a way out, start a new life.” She said with a smile. “He brought me here and I’ve been happily sewing ever since.” The mare said with a smile.

“So how do you deal with stallions like that now?” Applejack asked.

“That’s why I have these.” Thimble’s horn glowed and a massive pair of serrated scissors appeared before her. “My own design. Ingot was kind enough to make them for me.” She said with a giggle and a blush. The mares looked at her in astonishment. “What? Every mare should carry protection.” She said with a smug smile. The mares all let out a sigh and face hoofed.

“So, he saved ya?”

“If it wasn’t for him then I’d still be shaking my flank for two bits an hour in some scum ball of a place.” She said in a stern tone.

“Isn’t this place a scum ball? No offense.” Dash said.

“Yeah, but we all look out for each other here and Razor protects this place.” She said as she continued to sew. “Just ask his crew, I bet they could tell ya some real stories.”

“Were you on Razor’s crew?” Pinkie asked.

“Only for a little while, but I’m still part of it.” The mare got to her hooves and extended her right fore arm and parted the fur. The mares looked to see a tattoo of the symbol on the grey stallion’s pirate ship. “We’re kind of like a family to one another.” She said with a smile. The five mares looked at one another and fell silent as she finished her work. “And done!” She said with a smile.

The mare’s jaws dropped as they saw each outfit. Pinkie’s was a pink vest with frills and pink dots that matched the bandanna that went on top of her head. “I styled it after some Gypsy outfits.” She said with a grin. “From what I’ve seen and heard of you I think it’ll be a perfect fit.”

“This is so cool.” Pinkie said as she donned the outfit. The mare’s then looked at the next ensemble. Rarity was sporting a frilly white blouse with puffy sleeves. A dark purple handkerchief was tied around her neck.

“This is marvelous!” Rarity chimed. The mares all nodded in agreement. Applejack was sporting a brown leather vest that matched her hat. The stitching was done with jade colored thread that set off her emerald green eyes.

“Not too shabby.” The farmer said as she walked around in the outfit. The next one to go was Fluttershy. She was donning a light yellow shirt with a pink hood attached to the collar. The yellow mare put it over her head and found that it covered her entire face and mane.

“It’s...nice.”

“What about me?” Dash asked in an impatient tone.

“Easy, I was just about to get it.” She said in a rough tone. The Pegasus looked over and saw a dark blue vest with a hood colored in white. Dash tried it on and found that there were holes in the side for her wings. She flexed them twice and hovered.

“All of your outfits have a lightweight metal. It’s strong enough to hold up against some sword play, but it won’t deflect bullets and close range knives.” The seamstress said with a smile. The door to the shop suddenly opened to reveal a large brown earth pony stallion with a smirk on his face.

“Hello Thimble, time to pay up.” He said with a smirk.

“Scram Lug nut. You don’t own this place.” She said as she trotted up to the large stallion and scowled.

“Well, that’s just too bad.” He said as he slammed his hoof into the side of the mare’s face. The mares all let out a gasp as the seamstress cracked her neck.

“That was a bad move.”

“Why’s that?”

“Just wait till my husband get’s here.” She said with a smirk. As the stallion took a step forwards a large silver hammer swung down on the top of his skull. The ponies all heard a loud crack coming from the stallion’s head. The ponies looked up to see Ingot holding the hammer.

“That’s what you get when you touch another stallion’s mare.” He said as he levitated the body off the floor. A low groan could be heard from the beaten stallion. Ingot tilted his head and threw the assailant out into the street. “You okay dear?” He asked as he helped the mare to her hooves.

“I am now that you’re here.” She said with a smile. The farmer trotted up to them and smiled.

“Ah didn’t know ya’ll were a couple.”

“Yup, married three years now.” The stallion said as he put a hoof around his wife. “We’re actually expecting.”

“Well, congratulations.” Rarity said with a smile.

“Yeah....thanks.” The seamstress said in a low tone. The ponies looked at another in confusion.

“Um, shouldn’t you be happy?” Dash asked.

“I know, but I’m worried about raising a foal in a place like this.” She said as she held her head in shame. “We’ve been saving up so we can move to someplace far away from here and the child can actually have a foalhood.” She said as tears started to form in her eyes. Ingot sighed and comforted the mare.

“Forgive my wife. Ya know, hormones and what not.” He said with a shrug.

“Oh it ain’t nothing.” Applejack said with a sigh. The orange mare scratched the back of her neck as a thought came to her. “Look, ah know that we ain’t exactly friends and what not,” She said with a sigh. “but Ponyville is a nice town and is a nice place to raise a foal.” The group of mares looked at her in shock.

“I’ve heard of it.” Ingot said as he put a hoof to his chin. Dash and Rarity pulled the farmer aside and they huddled.

“Are you crazy?” Dash said. “These guys are nuts.”

“I must agree with Rainbow Dash darling. We know nothing about these ponies.” Rarity said with a sigh.

“Look, you all saw what we walked through to get here.” She said as she pointed out the window. “Can you live with yourselves knowing that an innocent foal is gonna live in a pit like this?” The mares thought for a moment and let out a sigh.

“How far away is it?” Thimble asked.

“It took us about a day by boat.” Dash said.

“Thank you.” Ingot said. “I know that you think that we’re no good. Frankly I don’t give a damn about my reputation.” He said in a strong tone. “The only thing that matters to me is my family’s safety.”

“Ah understand that.” AJ said with a smile.

“I’d better start planning your welcome party then!” Pinkie said with a smile.

“Pink’s, lets just focus on getting through this first.” Dash said. Ingot then perked up and smiled.

“Ah yes your weapons.” He said as his horn flared and five cases appeared in front of him. “Ms.Rarity, here’s yours.” The stallion withdrew a silver rapier with a decorative handle that wrapped around her hoof. “This isn’t meant for slashing like a normal sword. It’s more for poking.”

“It’s magnificent!” She said as she felt the light weight.

“It’s name is ‘Needle’, she may be small, but will go through light armor like warm butter.” He said with a grin.

“Why name it?” Dash asked.

“It’s bad luck and insulting not to name something you made.” He said as he walked over to another case. “Ms. Dash, these are yours.” The stallion then withdrew two sleek daggers. One was jagged and had rainbow paint across the metal while the other blade was circular and looked more like a cloud. “Say hello to ‘Nimbus and Cumulus.’”

“So awesome!” She said as she picked them up. The stallion then approached the third case and withdrew two six shooter pistols with brown handles and orange barrels. “Ms. Apple, these are yours. I came up with the idea of a pistol that holds more than one shot. I call them ‘Flint and Strike.’”

“Thanks....ah guess.” She said with a gulp. The next one looked like a large pink shoulder mounted cannon.

“Ms. Pie, yours is a new and original design. This is more for dealing with large crowds. It’s name is ‘Splash.’”

“Sweet!” Fluttershy gulped as the stallion pulled out a long light green whip with a yellow handle.

“Ms. Shy, since you are a gentle soul, I took great care in designing this whip for you.” He said with a smile. “It’s name is ‘Ivy’ and will be able to wrap around anything. She also has a stash of healing lotion in her handle.”

“Th-thank you.” The stallion then noticed the mare’s un easy looks.

“I’m hoping that you won’t have to use them.” He said with a sigh. “Trust me, you’ll need them.”

“So did you make Razor’s weapons too?” Ingot let out a laugh at the cyan mare’s question.

“No, those are beyond the works of mortals.” He said with a chuckle. The door to the shop opened to reveal a roughed up grey Pegasus stallion.

“Ah good to see that you got the look down.” He said with a nod.

“What happened to you?” Dash asked.

“Business.” He said in a flat tone. “How much do I owe you Thimble?”

“No charge.” She said with a smile. “Be safe Razor.” She said with a smile.

“Will do.” He said as he tipped his hat to her. “C’mon, we still have lot’s to do.” He said as he led the mares out into the street. Now that you guys look like pirates we need you to teach you how to act like one.” He said as he stopped in front of a pub. The sign read, ‘The Raven’s Nest.’

“How in the hay are we supposed to do that?” The farmer asked. As he opened the door the ponies saw the most rough and raunchy individuals they had ever seen.

“Watch and learn.” He said with a smirk. “Hail Princess Celestia!” The entire room grew silent and looked at the grey stallion who smirked. Several ponies got to their hooves and pulled out their guns and swords. Razor immediately shut the door just in time to stop a thrown sword from stabbing him. The group ducked as several bullets flew over their heads.

“Class is in session.” Razor said with a smirk. The grey stallion then trotted inside and proved his worth as the manager came down. A dark red Unicorn mare with dark green hair and done up eyelashes. “Ah Scarlet, order a round on me.” The ponies that were trying to kill him immediately froze and sheathed their weapons.

“You always like to make a mess don’t you?” The mare said as she chuckled.

“You know me.” He said with a laugh.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back on the ship the green Unicorn stallion toiled away at the engine and let out a sigh of relief as he took a break. Scotty took out his own personal flash and took a quick swig from it. The green stallion’s ear twitched as he heard a crashing noise come from down the hallway. Scotty got to his hooves and took out a five foot long iron wrench before venturing out.

He checked his corners and opened several doors to find anything empty. He heard another crash and a few voices.

“Ow! You stepped on my tail!” A female voice said.

“Sorry.” This time it sounded like a male, young. The stallion looked into the room and his eyes shrank as his horn glowed light orange.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back in the pub, the rest of Razor’s crew arrived and were drinking, eating and singing to different songs. The five mares sat in the corner trying to lay low. A tan Earth pony stallion with a black mustache and wearing a white collared shirt.

“Would any of you ladies like to sing?”

“No thanks we-”

“Sure!” Pinkie said as she followed the stallion. The group of mares tried to stop her but stopped as the pink mare got on stage and started to sing. After the song the pirates all laughed and raised their mugs. Razor and Breeze were sitting across from a Griffin with light brown feathers and a dark colored beak

“Okay Black Beak,” Razor said in a stern tone. “what do you know about Sun?”

“I may have seen him around.” He said with a shrug. Razor groaned and threw a small pile of bits on the table. The griffin smirked. “He said something about an island.”

“What island?”

“My memory is a little dry.” Razor set another small bag down. “That crazy stallion is going after the Heart.” Razor froze and looked at him. “I’m telling you the truth mate. That stallion’s crazier than me and that’s saying something. Of course I don’t need to tell you that.” Razor looked at Breeze who gulped.

“Thanks for the info.” He said before throwing him an extra bit. “Have one on me.” The grey stallion got to his hooves and whistled. His crew members nodded and bid their farewells to the party ponies. Razor trotted over to the five newcomers and motioned for them to follow. “We’re leaving. Get to the Gale.”

“The what?” Dash asked.

“The ship.” He said with a groan. The five gave a nod and followed the grey Pegasus towards the exit. The ponies made their way back to the ship and set sail. The cool breeze whipped at their coats. Scotty trotted up to the captain and whispered something into his ear. Razor cracked his neck and nodded before handing the stallion a bright blue crystal.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dash and the others were below deck sleeping soundly. Only to be awoken by ice cold water being dumped on them. The group immediately bolted up in surprise. Breeze and Ace were standing there with a few empty buckets beside them.

“What the buck was that for?” Dash yelled.

“Captain wants to see you all about something.” Ace said.

“Why’d ya go and dump water on us?” AJ asked as she glared at the two.

“Every recruit is due to go through a good hazing.” Breeze said with a smirk. The five ponies glared at the two. “Just be grateful that it was only water.”

“Fine, where’s Razor anyway?” Dash asked as she shook herself dry.

“Captain’s quarters.” Ace said as he pointed with his claw. “Last door that way.” He said as he pointed to the far end of the rows of bunks. The five groaned and made their way down the hallway and knocked on the door.

“Come in.” A voice said from the other side. The five mares looked in shock to see a room as big as the main floor of Twilight’s library. A large desk sat in the center and a king sized bed was in the corner.

“How? What? Huh!” Dash yelled.

“Quite the vocabulary you have there Rainbow.” The stallion said as he sat in his seat.

“How in the hay does this thing fit in the ship?” Applejack asked.

“The ship is bigger on the inside.” He said with a grin. “Granted, I only use this place when I need to talk to someone in private or if one of the crew members are sick.”

“So what’s up?” Pinkie asked.

“I just have a question.” He said as he got up.

“What’s that?” Dash asked.

“Do you all think that this is some bucking game?” The stallion said as he narrowed hi eyes.

“What are you talking about?” Rarity asked.

“This!” He said as he walked over to a wooden barrel and slashed the top off with one of his swords. He then kicked the barrel over and three fillies, plus one purple dragon came spilling onto the floor. “I’m assuming that you know these four?”

“Applebloom!” The farmer yelled.

“Sweetie Belle!”

“Scoots?”

“Oh, howdy there sis.” The yellow filly said with a weak grin.

“What in the name of Celestia’s royal flank are you doing here?” Rarity yelled as she hugged her sister.

“Well, Spike was planning to sneak onto the ship. So we followed him.” The mares then looked at the purple dragon.

“I told them that I was going alone but they were persistent.” He said with a grunt.

“How did you even get on the my ship anyway?” Razor asked.

“I dumped a barrel filled with some weird smelling brown water and hid inside.” He said with a shrug.

“I guess I owe Ace an apology.” Razor said with a sigh. “Now what are we gonna do about them?”

“We have to go back and-” Fluttershy was cut off as the stallion raised a hoof.

“Forget it.” He said in a rough tone. “Sun already has two days on us. I’m not stopping for anything. So unless one of you want’s to bring them back then they’re stuck with us.” He said with a sigh. “Since you know them they’re your baggage. They can sleep in here if they want.”

“What about your crew?” Dash asked.

“If I won’t tolerate rapists then do you honestly think that I’d let a foal molester on my ship?” He asked in a rough tone. “Granted they won’t be happy about it, but most of them like kids.”

“What if one of them tries to get in?”

“Impossible. Breeze put an enchantment on it so that we’re the only ones who can come in here, unless the door is opened from the inside. So no wandering off.” He said as he looked at the group of foals and the dragon. “One other thing, if we get into a fight then I need you all to stay hidden.”

“Why?”

“Mainly because you guys can’t hold your own in a fight and I can’s waste time worrying about your safety. So your sisters will have to do.” He said with a sigh.

“Mac is probably worried sick about you two!” AJ yelled.

“Relax, I got this.” Spike said with a sigh. “Mac knew that I was doing this and the only way that he would let me go was if I promised to keep tabs on you.” The mares all looked at the dragon in surprise. “I’ll send him a letter to let them know that they’re safe.”

“How?”

“I gave him a gem that works like my messenger fire. It’ll make a letter appear from it.” He said as he pulled out a quill and a piece of paper. He quickly wrote a note and sent the letter. “Done.”

“Granny’s gonna kill all of us isn’t she?” Applebloom said.

“I’ll leave you all to get settle then.” Razor said as he walked out of the room.

Author's Note

Sorry for the delay. Real life and other fics.

Chapter 6: The First Time is Always the Hardest

Chapter 6

The First Time is Always the Hardest

The next day did not start out well, nearly all the crew members were less than enthusiastic about having three fillies on board the ship. If they didn’t like their five guests before then they sure as hell didn’t like them now. The three fillies mostly stuck by their adult friends and stayed out of the pirates’ way. The group of newcomers looked over their weapons and sighed. The grey stallion walked down below deck and saw the group of mares.

“Hey, get your weapons.”

“Why? Are we under attack?” Dash asked.

“No, time for some training.” He said in a flat tone. “Since you guys are on my ship you need to learn how to fight.” He said as the group followed him up to the deck. “Bring out the ring!” He ordered. Several crew members grinned and started setting up several barrels and crowded around the area in a circular formation. The five mares made their way through the crowd and saw the grey stallion with his swords tucked by his sides.

“Time to teach you how to use your weapons.” He said as he pulled out one of his blades.

“What’s to understand about swish, swish stab? It’s a sword not an air balloon.” The cyan mare stated as she rolled her eyes.

“Cocky huh?” He said with a smirk. “Okay then, come at me.” Dash pulled both f her daggers out and swung randomly at the stallion. Razor gave one swipe with one of his swords and knocked both daggers out of the mare’s hooves. The mares gulped at the display. “You were saying?”

“Never mind.” Dash said as she flattened her ears.

“Smart mare. Now pay attention.” He said with a smirk. “Think of your weapon as an extension of yourself. It’s a part of you.” He gave a swift swipe of his blade that cut through the air. “You must be like water.”

“Huh?” Applejack asked.

“Empty your mind. Be formless or shapeless. Like water.” He said as he sheathed his weapon. “You put water in a cup it becomes a the cup, put water in a tea pot it becomes the tea pot.” The mares all listened to him. “Water can flow or it can crash. Be water my friend.”

“I don’t get it.” Dash said. Razor face hoofed.

“Breeze, Ace show them.” He said as the two combatants entered the ring. Ace pulled out a massive club while Breeze had nothing but her bare hooves. “Start!” The griffin swung the bat and time seemed to slow as Breeze dodged it within an inch of space between her and the large wooden club.

The group gulped as the mare spun on her back hoof and tripped the griffin with her tail. The mare then followed up with a punch to the griffin’s gut before he hit the ground. The large beast crumpled and gave a harsh cough. The five mares all looked in amazement.

“Holy Luna.” Dash said. “That was awesome!”

“Comes with the job.” Breeze said as she cracked her neck. “Now it’s your turn.” She said with a grin. Dash gulped and entered the small ring. The cyan Pegasus looked at her friends who gave her a nervous smile. The two heard a ding sound and leapt at each other. Breeze dodged the mare’s hoof and sucker punched her in the gut. Dash coughed and fell to the floor.

Breeze rolled her eyes and turned away only to feel the Pegasus’ tail coil around her leg and trip her. Dash then jumped on top of her and put her in a headlock. Some of the crew blinked in surprise.

“Gotcha!” Dash yelled.

“Not quite.” Breeze said with a grin. Her horn flared and the mare’s body turned to water and splashed onto the deck.

“What the hey?” Dash yelled in shock. A hoof made of water then struck her from the deck. Dash recoiled and fell on her back. The Unicorn mare’s body then returned to it’s normal state. “H-how did you do that?”

“Magic.” Breeze said with a grin.

“Hey that’s cheating!” The crew all laughed at the words. “What’s so funny?”

“We’re pirates. We don’t play by anypony’s rules but our own.” Razor said with a grin.

“Captain!” Razor looked up towards the crows nest to see Ace pointing with a claw. The crew got to the right side of the ship and looked to see another pirate ship heading towards them.

“What do they want?” The farmer was cut off as they saw a few puffs of smoke escape the other ship.

“Down!” Every crew member instantly hugged the deck. Razor rushed over to Dash and tackled her as they heard a few cannon balls hit the water around the ship. Water splashed on the deck and the ship rocked.

“So that’s how it is then?” Razor said as he got up. The stallion helped the mare to her hooves and cracked his neck. “Get to the cannons. Get ready to fight!” The crew gave a nod and quickly scurried to their positions. Razor turned towards Dash and the other four mares. “You all get below deck and barricade yourselves in my quarters.”

“Got it!” AJ said with a nod. The five girls quickly grabbed the fillies and dragon before running down below deck. The mares heard hooves trampling across the wooden deck. The group heard several cannon blasts and covered their ears. The fillies hugged their older sisters and buried their heads in their siblings’ chests. Dash calmly patted the orange filly’s head and gulped.

On top the cannon’s blazed and large metal balls cut through the air.

“Ace I need you in the air!” Razor barked. The griffin soared in the air and went into the crow’s nest. “Scotty, break out the mortar.”

“Which one sir?”

“The big one.” The stallion looked at him in shock.

“But sir, after what happened last time?”

“Did I stutter?” He barked. The green Unicorn rolled his eyes and his horn flared. A large metal mortar then appeared on deck. The crew gulped. “Ace what do we got?”

“Twenty-six degrees East. Ten degrees South.”

“Alright then.” He said as he crawled inside the mortar. Rainbow Dash poked her head out and saw the stallion inside the large mortar. The cyan mare walked out and looked at the stallion.

“Why don’t we just blast them to splinters?”

“Because my idea is better.” He said as he cracked his neck. “Breeze, light this bitch!” The Unicorn mare shook her head and aimed the cannon at the ship. As the mare lit the fuse dash ducked as a cannon ball went over her head. “Geronimo!” He yelled as the mortar roared to life. Dash’s jaw dropped as she saw a dark grey dot fly towards the ship.

The crew stopped working and sat back. Dash stood next to the Unicorn mare and cocked her head in confusion.

“Why did you guys stop working?” She asked.

“We’d miss the show.”

“What show?” Dash looked towards the ship and saw several blue slash marks. The center mast fell and the group heard several gun shots. The mare gasped as she saw two giant slash marks come up from the ship and hit the clouds. A large blue X was imprinted in the clouds.

“Thats our cue.” Breeze said as she teleported behind the wheel. “Get back to your posts.” The ponies then scampered back to their positions and the ship stared to move towards the damaged ship. The Gale pulled along side the ship and Razor kept his gun on the other crew as they boarded his ship.

“Gents, welcome to my ship.” He said as the crew drew their swords and looked at the guests. “Now here comes the tough part. Which one of you sea dogs is the captain?” The crew then pointed to a Diamond Dog.

“Th-that would be me.” The dog said with a whine.

“Okay then. Why did you fire on my ship?”

“We thought that you’d fire first.”

“Well, we didn’t. You must have been after something.”

“Treasure. We rob ships for gold and silver.” He said with a gulp. Razor rolled his eyes and pulled out one of his swords and pointed it at the dog. “Please don’t kill me.”

“I’m not gonna kill you. I’m gonna give you a chance to win some of my gold.” The dog looked at him in shock. Razor waved his hoof and Scotty brought out a small treasure chest. The stallion then opened the chest and some gold and jewels spilled on the deck. “All ya gotta do is beat me in a duel.” The dog’s eyes boggled at the treasure.

“Thats all?”

“Simple rules. If ya win then I’ll give you the chest.” He said as he closed the lid with the tip of his sword. “If I win then I take half of whatever you got in your ship. Play by the rules and you and your crew go off. Break them and well.” He said as he looked at his crew who grinned as they pulled out their blades. “Deal?” He asked as he stuck out his hoof. The dog grinned and shook it.

“Deal.”

“Okay boys lets get a ring set up.” The crew then scurried around and made the circle the crew had used earlier. Razor removed his coat and hat. The dog grinned as he saw his bandaged wings. Razor withdrew his two swords and cracked his neck. The cyan mare gulped as she saw a collection of scars across his chest.

The dog removed his own blade and grinned. The opposing captain stood on his hind legs, that gave him the height advantage. The dog towered over the stallion by easily two feet. One of the crew members raised a pistol and shot it into the air signaling the start of the fight.

The dog swung his blade and the stallion quickly side stepped it and parried the blade with one sword. He quickly delivered a kick to the dog’s gut. The beast snarled and attacked at random. The stallion easily parried the blade with one sword, one blow after another. The Pegasus yawned as the dog grew more frustrated.

“Die!” The dog barked. The opposing captain put all his strength into one swing. Razor crossed his swords and caught the blade in the scissor like block. The stallion smirked and focused the strength into his arms. Dash saw his muscles flex. Like a coiled spring the stallion’s blades shot forwards. The dog’s sword was sent flying and stuck into the wooden deck behind the dog.

The dog froze and the color drained from his face. The stallion sheathed his weapons and sighed.

“Well, sorry pal, but I win.” The stallion said as his crew cheered. “Okay gents and ladies, go forth and pillage.” Half the crew got off the boat and boarded the enemy’s ship. As Razor turned around and started to walk away the dog grunted and pulled out a knife from his belt. The dog lunged at the grey stallion.

Razor’s ear twitched and spun around with a pistol pointed at the dog’s face. The dog froze in place. The stallion coked an eyebrow as the dog coughed up blood and fell forwards on the deck. The stallion’s eyes shrank as he saw a jagged rainbow dagger stuck in the dog’s back. The grey Pegasus looked up and saw the familiar cyan mare with the other dagger in her hoof and tears in her eyes.

The mare dropped the knife and started to shake. Dash slumped to the ground and looked at her hooves before running bellow deck. The stallion removed the dagger and wiped the blood off on the dead dog’s jacket. The dog’s crew gulped as the stallion put his coat back on and walked over to the sword that was stuck in the deck. He pulled it out and looked at the blade. The stallion waited for the rest of the crew to return to the ship with some crates.

“Which one of you is quarter master?” He asked as he looked at the tied up group of pirates. A dark blue earth pony stallion hesitantly raised his hoof. Razor motioned for him to come towards him. The pony looked only a few years younger than Razor. “What’s your name son?”

“It’s C-Clam Crusher sir.” He said with a gulp. Razor then pointed the handle towards the stallion.

“I think this belongs to you. Captain.” The blue stallion’s eyes shrank and looked at the sword handle. He hesitantly gripped the handle and sheathed it. “You’re in charge now ya here?”

“Y-yes sir.” He said as he saluted him. Razor nodded and pulled out a small pouch of gold coins. He took the stallion’s hoof and dropped the bag in it. “What are you-”

“It ain’t much, but its enough to get that mast fixed and replace some of the supplies we took.”

“But sir-”

“Refuse this offer and I’ll chop your head off.” The blue stallion gulped and watched as his crew piled back on their ship. “Go forth and live like a free stallion.”

“Thank you sir.” He said with a nod.

“Good now get going.” The grey stallion’s ship then started to move away from the damaged ship. Razor walked over to Breeze and sighed. “Where’d Dash go?”

“Bellow deck.” The stallion sighed. “Go talk to her, I got things up here.” The stallion gave her a nod and went down below deck. As he walked towards his quarters he saw the four other mares and three fillies outside the door.

“Rainbow? You okay sugar cube?” The farmer asked as she pressed her ear up against the door.

“Just leave me alone!” She yelled. Fluttershy trotted up to grey stallion with tears in her eyes.

“What happened? She came running down a few minutes ago and locked herself inside.”

“After I beat the other pirate captain, he tried to stab me and Dash stopped him by throwing her dagger into his back.” The mares all gasped. “He died instantly.” The mares all gulped. “I’m gonna go in and talk to her.”

“Ah’m going to.” Applejack said.

“No, you’re not. I know how she feels believe me.” He said with a sigh. The mares all frowned. “Look I know you want to be there for her, but can you honestly know how she’s feeling? She just ended somepony’s life.” The mares all gulped. “Take it from a pirate, the first time is never easy.”

The mares looked at one another and let out a sigh. They stepped aside and let the stallion pass. He nodded and entered the room. “Dash? You in here?” The stallion heard no response. His ear twitched as he heard some sniffling coming from the desk. Razor walked over to it and saw the cyan daredevil curled up underneath the desk crying.

The stallion let out a sigh and crawled inside and sat next to the mare. “Look Dash, I know that you and I aren’t exactly friends,” He said with a sigh. “but I know what you’re going through.”

“Yeah right!” She said with a sniffle. “You’re a pirate. You’re use to stealing, killing and all that stuff.” The stallion frowned.

“Hey I may be a pirate, but I’m not bloodthirsty and I always look for an alternative to killing.” He said as he looked at the mare. “I know that its never easy and you feel like the lowest piece of trash in Equestria.”

“Gee, thanks.” She groaned.

“What I’m saying is that life moves on. You protected me and I’m grateful for that.” The stallion put a hoof around the mare. The Pegasus mare rested her head against his chest and cried.

“I’m a monster!” She cried as she burried her face in his fur. The stallion sighed and gently ran his hoof through her mane in an effort to calm her down.

“Look you’re an element of harmony, you’ve beaten Nightmare Moon, Discord and saved an entire empire.” He said trying to comfort the distraught mare. “You only did what you had to do and you’re taking responsibility for it. It shows character.” Dash sniffled and looked at the stallion with tears in her eyes.

“R-really?”

“Yeah and I’m sorry you had to do that. If I could change things then I would.” He said as he rested his head against hers. “I was only fourteen when I first killed somepony.” The mare gasped.

“W-why did you kill them?”

“He was trying to kill Breeze. He came at her with a knife and I intervened.” He said with a sigh.

“Do you ever get use to it? Killing I mean?”

“No, something like that stays with you. I try to make up for it by doing what I think is right. Wishful thinking right?” He said with a small chuckle. Dash looked down at her hooves and started to shake again. “Dash there are things in this world that you don’t want to do, but you’re forced to for the greater good.” He said as he stood up. “Just thought you should know that.” He said as he started to walk away.

“Thanks Razor.” She said as she stood up and wiped the tears from her eyes. “For a pirate, you’re not such a bad guy.” She said with a smile.

“For a civilian, you’re not such a bad pirate.” The two shared a small chuckle. “But seriously, if you need to talk then just ask me or some of the crew. They’ve been there and have gone through what you are going through now.” He said with a smile. The grey captain then handed the daggers back to the mare. The two Pegasi trotted over the door and opened it to find the four mares waiting for her.

“You okay Dashie?” Pinkie asked.

“Yeah guys, I’m fine.” Dash said with a smile.

“Are you sure darling?”

“Yeah, I’m okay now.” She said as she smiled at the stallion who tipped his hat to the mare.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Twilight’s stomach grumbled and she clutched her tummy in pain. After a failed escape attempt, Sun had reduced her meals to one a day. She was so hungry she was contemplating gnawing at the bark of the ship. The mare heard hoof steps and gulped wondering what the crazy captain of the ship had in store for her this time.

Two guards stood outside her cell armed with swords. A Unicorn stallion with a light blue coat and red mane stood in front of them. The stallion only looked to be a year older than Twilight.

“What do you want whelp?” One of the guards barked.

“Shift rotation. Go grab some grub.” One of the guards rubbed his chin and smiled wickedly at Twilight.

“Should we bring our food down here and eat it in front of her?” Twilight’s eyes shrank at the sheer torture of the thought of the stew smell that had been cooking all day.

“Nah, she’d probably whine for some and I hate whiners.” The other stallion shrugged and followed his comrade up towards the mess hall. The blue Unicorn’s ears focused as they climbed the steps. Once he made sure they were gone he looked at Twilight. Her mane was unkempt and her fur was mangled in knots.

“Psst.” Te lavender mare continued to face the wall. “Hey Sparkle.” He whispered.

“What do you want?” Twilight’s eyes grew wide. In the stallion’s hooves was an apple. To anypony else it just looked like an ordinary apple, but to the starving Unicorn it was the best thing she’d seen since she was kidnapped. “W-where did you get that?”

“Saved it over from lunch. Now hurry up and eat it before those idiots come back.” Twilight scrambled to her hooves and was about to take it from him but stopped. Her eyes narrowed and she scowled at the stallion. “What are you waiting for?”

“How dumb do you think I am?”

“Huh?”

“I’m not eating that thing. I know what you’re planning.”

“Tell me, cause I sure as hell don’t.” He said as he checked his corners.

“I eat that apple that you drugged and then you have your way with me.” She said as she gritted her teeth. The stallion blinked twice and face hoofed.

“Look you paranoid nut job. I’m on your side here,” He said as he frowned with his emerald green eyes. “if somepony catches me like this then Sun will decapitate me before I can say ouch. Don’t think he won’t.” Twilight gulped and rubbed her neck. “You have two choices, either eat the apple, the entire apple so there’s no trace of it or sit there and wait till your next meal which is probably five hours away.” Twilight ‘s eyes shrank and she weighed her options.

The mare sighed and took the apple from the stallion. She immediately dove into the small fruit. It was the first thing she had tasted in almost twenty-four hours. The stallion turned away and checked his corners.

“Th-thank you.” Twilight said as she finished swallowing a mouthful of the red fruit.

“Don’t mention it.” He said in a serious tone. “I mean it. If anypony finds out about this then were both gonna get it.”

“W-why help me?”

“I have my reasons.” He said with a shrug. “Mostly because I don’t like Sun and his methods.”

“So why are you a part of his crew?”

“Why do you want to know?”

“Well, considering that you’re the only pirate with some decency-”

“I’m not a pirate.” He said in a flat tone. “I’m just a blacksmith.” He said as Twilight looked at his Cutie Mark. It was a red hot anvil being struck by a hammer. “Like I said I have my own reasons for helping you.” He said with a grunt. “You’re no good to me dead anyway.” He said before turning around and keeping his mouth shut.

The lavender mare sighed and ate the apple. She then ate the core which was a little bit harder to swallow. Twilight slumped to the ground and looked at the stallion. The mare rested her head on her hooves and sighed as she fell asleep.

Author's Note

Sorry for the long update. The AC4 addiction has begun!